Boeing has announced its intentions to update the engines of the current 737 airliner and launch a new line of jets dubbed the 737 MAX family.
The current NG types of 737-700, -800 and -900 will become the 737 MAX 7, MAX 8 and MAX 9, respectively. New CFM LEAP-1B engines will power the airliners, along with other slight design changes to bring 7% lower operating cost over the Airbus A320NEO.
Among other of the changes include adding noise-reducing chevrons that many will recognize from Boeing’s 747-8 and 787 Dreamliner, and a new tail cone similar to that found on the 787. The Boeing Sky Interior, currently an option for 737 aircraft, will be standard equipment on the MAX family.
Boeing says it has received 496 firm commitments from four customers, 100 of those being for American Airlines. American is the only airline to announce its intention to buy the jets.
First delivery is expected to take place in 2017.