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

Why did McDonnell Douglas fail? ›

Most companies fail when customers do not buy their products. Douglas failed because customers did buy its products. Douglas fell with a successful innovative product, the DC-9, and an order backlog in excess of $3 billion and growing, enough work to keep its production lines humming for years.

What is the range of Boeing 737 next generation? ›

The aircraft is designed to fly up to 1,995 nmi (3,695 km; 2,296 mi) at a MTOW of 174,100 lb (79,000 kg).

What were the results of the 737 MAX investigation? ›

The company failed 33 of 89 audits during an examination conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration after a panel blew off an Alaska Airlines jet in January. Sign up for the On Politics newsletter. Your guide to the 2024 elections.

How was the 737 newer better and improved from previous planes? ›

The 737 MAX improved on Next-Generation 737 range with the capability to fly more than 3,500 nautical miles (6,510 km), an increase of 340-570 nmi (629-1,055 km). The 737 MAX also incorporates the latest quiet engine technology to reduce the operational noise footprint of the airplane by up to 40 percent.

What's the safest plane in the world? ›

An Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9. The world's safest aircraft have been named in Boeing's Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents 1959 – 2022. Boeing has been issuing the annual report for decades and it tracks all commercial airline flight incidents and accidents.

Are Airbus safer than Boeing? ›

Let's take a look at the number of NTSB events per 100k departures over time. The result indicates to me that Boeing has more NTSB events per departure, about 6.5 per 100k departures vs. 3.8 per 100k for Airbus (assuming I haven't made any errors). That's about 1.7x more events per departure than Airbus!

What did Boeing do wrong with the 737 Max? ›

Both crashes were linked to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a new automatic flight control feature. Investigations into both crashes determined that Boeing and the FAA favored cost-saving solutions, which ultimately produced a flawed design of the MCAS instead.

Did families of 737 Max crashes get compensation? ›

Under the terms of the agreement with the Justice Department, Boeing will pay a total criminal monetary amount of over $2.5 billion, composed of a criminal monetary penalty of $243.6 million, compensation payments to Boeing's 737 MAX airline customers of $1.77 billion, and the establishment of a $500 million crash- ...

What will replace the 737? ›

Boeing Announces New 797 to Replace the 737 Family.

What is the most popular model of the 737? ›

The 737-800 is the most widely used narrowbody aircraft and competes primarily with the Airbus A320.

Can 737 reverse thrust? ›

Each engine on the Boeing 737 Next Generation is equipped with an hydraulically operated thrust reverser, consisting of left and right translating (moving) sleeves.

Why did McDonnell Douglas crash so much? ›

McDonnell Douglas' DC-10 faced significant safety issues due to cargo door failures, tarnishing its reputation as a “death trap.” Poor maintenance, engine failures, and communication errors further contributed to the DC-10's negative image.

How many McDonnell Douglas planes have crashed? ›

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 had been involved in 55 accidents and incidents, including 32 hull-loss accidents, with 1,261 occupant fatalities. It was eventually replaced by more advanced and fuel-efficient twin-engine airliners, such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A330.

Why did the first commercial airplane fail? ›

After World War I, many people began to operate commercial airlines. But every one of these early efforts failed because of high operating costs.

Why did Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas? ›

Boeing wanted to establish dominance and show the world who was boss in the airline industry. So it decided to acquire another plane manufacturer called McDonnell Douglas. It was a massive merger worth $14 billion. Now after the merger, the new entity retained the Boeing name.

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