Plane Was Used To Test Efficiency Improvements In Flight

Boeing says the Next-Generation 737 that served as a flying test bed for a series of efficiency improvements has now been delivered to United Airlines. Boeing began performance improvement testing in November 2010 with the goal of reducing fuel consumption by up to two percent. For customers, that would mean saving an average of $120,000 per airplane, per year, based on current fuel prices.

The performance improvements include aerodynamically-shaped anti-collision lights, streamlined slat and spoiler trailing edges, wheel-well fairings re-contoured to smooth the air flow near the main landing gear and a redesigned environmental control system exhaust vent. CFM has also introduced the new CFM56-7BE, an enhanced version of its already fuel-efficient engine which is now standard on all production 737s.

The delivery becomes United's fifth 737 with the Boeing Sky Interior, featuring new lighting and curving architecture that create a sense of spaciousness, and expanded pivot stowage bins. The interior makes use of improvements developed for the 787 Dreamliner.

FMI: www.boeing.com