T
The wing was redesigned with a new airfoil section, greater chord,
increased wing span by 16 ft (4.9 m) and area by 25%, which increased total
fuel capacity by 30%. New, quieter, more fuel-efficient CFM56-7B engines
were used. The wing, engine, and fuel capacity improvements combined
increase the 737's range by 900 nautical miles to over 3,000 nautical miles
(5,600 km), now permitting transcontinental service. With the increased fuel capacity, higher
maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) specifications are offered. The 737NG included redesigned
vertical stabilizers, and winglets were available on most models.
The flight deck was upgraded with modern avionics, and passenger cabin improvements
similar to those on the Boeing 777, including more curved surfaces and larger overhead bins
than previous-generation 737s. The Next Generation 737 interior was also adopted on the
Boeing 757-300.
The first NG to roll out was a -700, on December 8, 1996. This aircraft, the 2,843rd 737
built, first flew on February 9, 1997. The prototype -800 rolled out on June 30, 1997, and
first flew on July 31, 1997. The smallest of the new variants, the -600s, is the same size as
the -500. It was the last in this series to launch, in December 1997. First flying January 22,
1998, it was given certification on August 18, 1998. A flight test program was operated
by 10 aircraft; 3 -600s, 4 -700s, and 3 -800s.
In 2004, Boeing offered a Short Field Performance package in response to the needs of
Gol Transportes Aéreos, which frequently operates from restricted airports. The
enhancements improve takeoff and landing performance. The optional package is
available for the 737NG models and standard equipment for the 737-900ER. The
CFM56-7B Evolution nacelle began testing in August 2009 to be used on the new 737
PIP (Performance Improvement Package) due to enter service mid-2011. This new
improvement is said to shave at least 1% off overall drag and have some weight
benefits. Overall, it is claimed to have a 2% improvement on fuel burn on longer stages.
In 2010, new interior options for the 737NG included the 787-style Boeing Sky Interior.
Boeing delivered the 5,000th 737 to Southwest Airlines on February 13, 2006. Boeing
delivered the 6,000th 737 to Norwegian Air Shuttle in April 2009. Boeing delivered the
8,000th 737 to United Airlines on April 16, 2014. The Airbus A320 family has outsold the
737NG over the past decade, although its order totals include the A321 and A318,
which have also rivaled Boeing's 757 and 717, respectively. The 737NG has also outsold
the A320 on an annual basis in past years, with the next generation series extending the
jetliner's run as the most widely sold and commonly flown airliner family since its
introduction. The 10,000th aircraft was ordered in July 2012.
Boeing B737
June 2017
www.alliance-airways.net
3 ! 1