737 Next Generation Design Highlights (2024)

Overview

Digital design and manufacturing

The Next-Generation 737 is the first family of single-aisle jetliners designed concurrently using 100 percent 3D digital design and manufacturing technology. Concurrent design ensured that all Next-Generation 737 models enjoy maximum commonality and share the benefits of our ongoing technology and performance improvement program.

Greater operational flexibility

Today's most advanced navigation and situational awareness technologies give the Next-Generation 737 access to routes and approaches unavailable to less advanced aircraft. Improved takeoff and landing performance even at high elevations and on short runways provides operators greater flexibility.

Enhanced passenger experience

Passengers appreciate more room for carry-on items in bigger overhead bins. Optional features such as the latest in-flight entertainment systems, allows airlines to deliver information, customized programming, and revenue-generating content to every seat.

Reduced maintenance and improved environmental performance

Engine technology improvements, blended winglets and carbon brakes are among the enhancements that reduce maintenance and improve the environmental performance of today's Next-Generation 737. With an eye to the future, Boeing is committed to sustaining the technology leadership of the 737 family.

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (1)

Features
  • Optional Blended Winglets
  • Enhanced Landing Gear
  • Advanced Wing Design
  • MSG-3 Rev. 2 Maintenance Program
  • Leading Flight Deck Technologies
  • Efficient CFM Engines
  • 100% Digital Design
  • Inspired Interior Design
  • Improved Lavatories
  • Advanced Aircraft Assembly Process
  • Advanced Materials
  • Improved Corrosion Resistant Materials
  • Improved Auxiliary Power Unit

Advanced Wing

More Advanced Wing Design

Longer range, improved takeoff and landing performance

The wing of today's Next-Generation 737 is a new design compared to the 737 Classic, with greater area for more lift and an advanced geometry to reduce drag. Simpler control surfaces reduce weight and maintenance requirements. The new wing has a larger volume, so it can hold more fuel for longer range. Because it improves takeoff and landing performance, the new Next-Generation 737 wing also helps reduce community noise.

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (2)

Next-Generation 737 Superior Design*
  • 25% more wing area
  • 30% greater fuel capacity
  • 22% greater aerodynamic efficiency


* Next-Generation 737 versus 737 Classic

Innovative Winglet Technology

Innovative
  • Increase range, payload, and takeoff performance
  • Reduce fuel consumption and engine maintenance cost
  • Reduce noise
  • Increases residual value

Adding blended winglets to the highly efficient Next-Generation 737 wing boosts range, payload, takeoff and landing performance, and fuel economy. The improved performance allows pilots to use takeoff procedures that decrease wear and tear on engines and reduce community noise. The distinctive appearance of blended winglets can help differentiate the airline's brand. And as an additional benefit, winglets increase the airplane's residual value.

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (3)

Superior Aerodynamic Design

Greater aerodynamic efficiency

The aerodynamic efficiency of the Next-Generation 737 wing increases the speed at which the airplane can cruise economically. Improved takeoff and landing performance translates into better performance at high-altitude airports and on short runways.

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (4)

Advanced Engine

One Engine Multiple Thrust Options Offer Market Versatility

Increased asset value from commonality

Strategic partnerships, spare parts pooling and fleet expansion are easier for the 737, thanks to a high degree of commonality and standardization. Asset value and liquidity are enhanced because all three Next-Generation 737s share the same efficient CFM56-7BE engine. A range of available thrust ratings allows airlines to match engine performance to operational requirements for longer time on-wing.

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (5)

CFM56-7BE Engine Improvements

CFM International (CFM) is using advanced computer programs and three-dimensional design techniques to improve airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines for enhanced engine performance. In addition, CFM is improving engine durability and reducing parts count to achieve lower maintenance costs. The CFM56-7BE engine enhancement program entered airline service in mid-2011 to coincide with Boeing Next-Generation 737 airframe improvements.

The CFM56-7BE-powered Next-Generation 737 enhanced airplane/engine combination provides a two-percent improvement in fuel consumption, which equates to a two-percent reduction in carbon emissions.

Engine performance improvements lower fuel consumption by approximately 1%.
  • Improved high pressure turbine
  • Optimized low pressure turbine
  • Improved primary nozzle and plug
  • Refined aft strut fairing heat shield

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (6)

Advanced Flight Deck

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (7)

Innovative Flight Deck Technologies

First to demonstrate flight deck technology advantages

The Next-Generation 737 is leading the way in the development and implementation of flight deck technologies that will enable the aviation industry to meet the strong demand for air transport. No airplane has gained as much operational experience using technologies such as head-up display (HUD), vertical situation display, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Landing System (GLS) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). These systems enhance safety, and pilots can fly more stable and precise paths with little or no new ground infrastructure. Air traffic controllers can grant a suitably equipped Next-Generation 737 the most direct and economical routes and clearance to land and takeoff under weather conditions that would require other airplanes to divert or stay on the ground.

Familiar look and feel

All Boeing flight decks feature large-displacement flight controls. Controls are interlinked so that both pilots are immediately aware of any control input — whether from the other pilot or from the autopilot. Flight deck automation can smooth the flight and relieve the flight crew of many routine tasks, while keeping pilots aware of the airplane's situation. Pilots always have full authority to fly the airplane and to make crucial flight decisions.

These flight deck technologies are offered as optional features. This allows the customers to design their flight deck configuration to their specific requirements while minimizing weight and maintenance costs.

RNP Benefits

The first commercial airplane certified for RNP of 0.10 nautical miles

With Required Navigation Performance (RNP) certified at navigation precision of 0.10 nautical miles, the Next-Generation 737 qualifies for the most economical routes in busy airspace and the most direct approaches to runways restricted by noise regulations or terrain. Able to fly precise, preselected, 3D RNP flight paths without ground-based navigational aids, the Next-Generation 737 can maintain punctual schedules while other airplanes follow less efficient flight paths, circle in holding patterns, divert to other airports or stay on the ground. RNP capability delivers immediate operational advantages and supports evolving efforts to minimize flight delays and improve airspace utilization.

The Next-Generation 737 is the first airplane in its class certified to meet 0.10 nmi RNP.

Accommodates Challenging Approaches

  • Reduces track miles
  • More efficient operations into airports restricted by terrain and airspace

Enables Inclement Weather Operations

  • Reduces landing minima
  • Decreases cancellation and diversion rates

Saves Track Miles

  • Providing more direct routing
  • Saving time and fuel
  • Fuel savings can be significant for high frequency operations

0.10 nmi RNP capability requires optional equipment

Advanced Structure

  1. Better Structural Efficiency
  2. High Quality Assembly
  3. Improved Servicing & Maintenance

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (8)

Better Structural Efficiency

Next-Generation 737 is the first single-aisle jetliner designed concurrently as a family using 100% 3D digital design and manufacturing technology.

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (9)

Higher Quality Assembly

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (10)

Improved Servicing and Maintenance

737 Next Generation Design Highlights (2024)

FAQs

What were some of the design features of the Boeing 737 MAX that made it marketable? ›

One technical design feature that made the Max 8 marketable is its 8% fuel efficiency increase. A 1% increase could save companies around 46 million dollars so an 8% will save hundreds of millions of dollars. A non-technical selling point was that the training needed to operate this new plane can be done online.

What is the design flaw in the Boeing 737 MAX? ›

The flaws in the software design that took flight control away from the pilots without their knowledge based on data from a single sensor, ultimately led to the two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, causing the deaths of 346 people.

Why didn't Boeing redesign the 737? ›

As I understand it, their insistence that their pilots be able to fly a new model with only a limited refresher course was one of the major factors that prevented Boeing from launching a clean sheet design.

What were the findings of the 737 MAX investigation? ›

During the investigation, both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines found loose bolts on their 737-9 Max planes. United Airlines reported at least five airplanes had loose bolts. Before Alaska Airlines flight 1282 took off, the bolts on the other door plug were tightened.

What is special about Boeing 737? ›

The Boeing 737 is a narrow-body aircraft produced by Boeing at its Renton factory in Washington. Developed to supplement the Boeing 727 on short and thin routes, the twinjet retained the 707 fuselage width and six abreast seating but with two underwing turbofans instead of four.

What is the problem with the 737 model? ›

Boeing 737 Max planes have also been the particular subject of safety concerns, including in 2018 and 2019 when countries across the globe grounded planes after Boeing 737 Max 8 planes were involved in two plane crashes that killed hundreds of people.

What is the most problematic Boeing aircraft? ›

The news hasn't gotten much better for Boeing, whose reputation was already tarnished by deadly crashes of its 737 Max 8 jets in 2018 and 2019, and a host of problems with its 787 Dreamliner a decade ago.

What blew out of the 737 Max? ›

WHAT WENT WRONG? U.S. aviation authorities have begun an investigation focused on a paneled-over exit door — called a door plug — that blew off the passenger jet shortly after takeoff. Airlines have the option to install a door plug in place of an actual emergency exit door.

Can a Boeing 737 reverse? ›

I can tell you from experience that the Boeing 737, 757, and 767 can land and use maximum reverse thrust on one engine only and not have any major controllability issues. Dr. Ravinder Ozha, PhD.

What mistake did Boeing make? ›

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said the company acknowledges “our mistake,” after a door plug on a 737 Max 9 blew out in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight, creating a gaping hole in the fuselage and prompting a grounding of that aircraft type by federal regulations.

Did Boeing apologize for 737 MAX? ›

737 MAX CRISIS COMPLETE COVERAGE »

“We regret the content of these communications, and apologize to the FAA, Congress, our airline customers, and to the flying public for them,” Boeing said.

What is the main problem with the 737 MAX? ›

The most serious problem for Boeing was a design flaw in the 737 Max that led to two fatal crashes, one in October 2018 and one in March 2019, that killed a total of 346 people and led to a 20-month grounding of the aircraft.

How did Boeing fix the 737 MAX problem? ›

Prior to the safe return to service of the 737 MAX, Boeing proposed a comprehensive training package with new training requirements that was evaluated and validated by regulators. The training included a new suite of computer-based training modules, new and updated documentation and simulator training.

How many 737 MAX have crashed? ›

After two deadly crashes involving its best-selling 737 Max 8 planes five years ago, Boeing spent billions of dollars to make its products safer and repair its reputation.

What makes the 737 MAX different? ›

The Boeing 737-800 and 737 Max are both narrow-body airliners produced by Boeing. But, there are some key differences between the two aircraft. The 737 Max has more fuel-efficient engines, a larger wingspan, and a higher maximum takeoff weight than the 737-800.

What change did Boeing make to the 737 MAX that gave it different flying characteristics from previous versions of the plane? ›

On that aircraft, the MCAS is overridden and disengaged when a pilot makes a stick input. Another MCAS implementation was developed for the Boeing 737 MAX, because its larger, repositioned engines changed the aircraft's flight characteristics compared to the preceding 737 generations.

What changes did Boeing make to the max? ›

The 737 MAX is based on earlier 737 designs, with more efficient CFM International LEAP engines, aerodynamic changes including distinctive split-tip winglets, and airframe modifications.

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