Boeing Next-Generation Program Soars Past Century Mark
SEATTLE, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Deliveries for Boeing
Next-Generation 737 jetliners reached a significant program
milestone when the 100th airplane was delivered to
Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) today.
"It is rare for a commercial jetliner program to deliver so
many airplanes so quickly following initial certification,"
said John Hayhurst, vice president and general manager - 737
Program. "No program in history has delivered a mix of three
different models so rapidly."
SAS, which to date has ordered a total of 55 Next-Generation
airplanes, accepted delivery of the milestone 737-600
airplane in a brief ceremony at Boeing Field.
"The Next-Generation 737 program's outstanding sales and
performance success in such a brief period of time has been
nothing short of amazing," Hayhurst added. "Overcoming
production difficulties to produce 100 airplanes in
approximately nine months is a tremendous record-breaking
accomplishment for our employees -- they deserve all of the
credit."
Since its introduction in November 1993, the Next-Generation
737 product line -- 737-600/-700-800 models -- has smashed
aviation industry sales records and become the
fastest-selling commercial jetliner program in history.
Next-Generation airplanes also are rated one of the best
investments among operators in terms of residual value,
operational success and value for dollars spent.
Each Next-Generation 737 builds on the strengths that have
made the 737 the world's most successful airplane, while
incorporating design enhancements for improved performance
and reduced operating and support costs. For example, an
improved wing design, which is 25 percent larger than the
classic 737 wing areas, provides 30 percent more fuel
capacity. Boeing also has instituted an advanced Common
Display System into the Next-Generation flight deck,
allowing airline customers to configure the displays similar
to existing Boeing jetliners.
Additional design enhancements include the use of advanced
and lightweight corrosion-resistant materials, simplified
leading- and trailing-edge flaps and landing gear, increased
range and improved avionics and engine performance. Hayhurst
explained that the evolution of the Next-Generation 737
product line serves as a model for meeting airline customer
needs and providing efficient 21st century flight
operations. "From the start, our customers helped us design
a family of airplanes that are efficient, simple and
flexible enough to meet both operating requirements and
future market demands. The fruit of that teamwork is
reflected in the rapid Next-Generation 737 sales and
delivery pace."
Boeing Next-Generation 737 models have one of the highest
reliability ratings -- 99 percent on-time gate departure --
among commercial aircraft in service today. With 1,057
announced Next-Generation orders, total orders for the
entire 737 family now exceeds 4,000 airplanes. More than 800
737s are in the air at any given time and one takes off
every six seconds.
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