Machinists Fabricate First Fuselage Stringers For The Aircraft

Production of the first 737 MAX is underway at Boeing Fabrication Integrated AeroStructures in Auburn, WA. The first fuselage stringers, which run the length of the fuselage structure giving it stability and strength, are being fabricated at the plant.

After forming, Boeing will send the stringers to Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita, KS for incorporation into the first 737 MAX fuselage. From there the fuselage will be shipped to Boeing's Renton, WA facility where Boeing employees will build the 737 MAX. The program is on track to begin final assembly of the first 737 MAX in 2015. The airplane will be part of the flight test fleet and is scheduled to fly in 2016

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements. Boeing projects that the 737 MAX will be 14 percent more fuel-efficient than today's most efficient Next-Generation 737s – and 20 percent better than the original Next-Generation 737s when they first entered service.

(Image provided by Boeing)

FMI: www.boeing.com