RENTON — The Boeing Co. unveiled enhancements to its 737 jet today that it said will lower fuel costs by about 2 percent, saving airlines an average of $150,000 a year.
Boeing also announced it plans to upgrade the interior of the 737, introducing features that will be found on its new 787 Dreamliner jet. The single-aisle jet will have 787-style sculpted sidewalls and pivoting overhead bins, which allows more headroom and gives the cabin a more open feeling.
The jet maker has dubbed the change its “Sky Interior.” The interior changes will be available in late 2010.
Boeing also is improving the performance of the 737. The company’s engine partner, CFM, has made changes that will result in a 1 percent fuel savings. Additionally, Boeing has made several small design changes to reduce drag on the 737, adding up to another 1 percent fuel savings over 737s in service.
“Our focus has remained on ‘how do we reduce operating costs of the airplane,’” said John Hamilton, 737 chief engineer.
The new fuel savings improvements make the Renton-built jet 16 percent more fuel efficient than the original 737.
The performance changes will come standard on 737s in 2011.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
