Hello 68. That’s the magic number everyone has been waiting for since the day we introduced the 737 MAX back in August. Today, we announced that we’re going with a 68-inch fan for the engine on this new variant of the world’s best-selling airplane.
New image: A 737 MAX is shown in the foreground as a Next-Generation 737 flies overhead.
Our CEO Jim Albaugh calls it the sweet spot and I couldn’t agree more. That 68-inch fan size, in combination with how we mount the engine on the wing, allows us to optimize the MAX for the best fuel efficiency and lowest operating costs. It also allows us to stay well ahead of our competition’s current and future offerings.
Why 68” is just right.
While we’re keeping the design scope of the MAX program as small as possible, there will be a slight adjustment to the nose gear. While some people think that may be a big deal, think of it this way. Boeing has a long history of integrating engines and wings. All you have to do is look at our employees who just finished two development programs in the same year. We’re fully prepared to start work on the MAX.
During my trip to Southeast Asia this week and wherever I travel the world, I’ve seen and heard the interest in the 737 MAX from customers, media and shareholders. The strong demand is best seen in the latest numbers—more than 600 order commitments from eight airlines. We expect to see hundreds of more commitments in the coming months. The buzz about the 737 MAX is just beginning and I expect it to only grow as we get closer to our expected first flight in 2016.
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