First Boeing Next-generation 737 Fuselage Arrives in Renton

SEATTLE, Sept. 3, 1996 -- After traveling nearly 2,200 miles by train from the Boeing Wichita site in Kansas, the first fuselage for the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 arrived on schedule today at the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group Renton, Wash., facility.

Approximately 4,000 Boeing employees and representatives of 737-700 launch customer Southwest Airlines were on hand as the 110-foot, 4-inch-long fuselage paraded into the plant, posed high on its railcar.

The fuselage arrived in one piece, a unique improvement from the process used to transport body sections of the current 737 models. The new approach simplifies the airplane's assembly process and will reduce the airplane's manufacturing cycle time.

"We're here today to recognize the accomplishment of this great Boeing team and this impressive, one-piece fuselage. We also want to celebrate the improved processes that enhanced the quality of the fuselage," said Gary Scott, 737/757 Programs vice president and general manager.

"The quality of this first fuselage is unbelievably great," said Jack Gucker, 737/757 Derivative Programs vice president. "By using the lessons learned from previous airplane programs and enhanced manufacturing processes, our Next-Generation 737 family is reducing cycle time and cost, while setting a higher standard of quality for our customers."

Speaking to the crowd, Boeing Chairman of the Board Frank Shrontz, said the newest 737 family members are an important addition to the Boeing product line. He said the Next-Generation 737 program demonstrates how The Boeing Company continues to expand the Boeing airplane family by developing derivative airplanes that offer the most value to our customers.

"Commitment to a common goal is what fuels a team and building on success is what this company is all about," Shrontz added. "Congratulations on your teamwork, commitment and success of this significant Next-Generation 737 milestone. We all should feel very proud."

The fuselage now will advance to the 737 factory for final assembly, including wing, landing gear, engine and airplane systems installation. The completed airplane will be unveiled to employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders during a series of ceremonial rollout "shows" at the 737 final assembly building Dec. 8. First flight is planned for February 1997 with first delivery scheduled for October to Southwest Airlines.

The newest 737 models are offered in three sizes. The 737-600 -- equivalent to the 737-500 -- is the smallest member of the family and will carry 108 to 132 passengers. The 737-700, with its in increased range, is equivalent in size to the current 737-300, at 128 to 149 seats. The 737-800 will be a stretched version of the current 737-400, capable of carrying 160 to 189 passengers.

Modifications to the wing and engine will provide improved fuel capacity, fuel efficiency, speed and range. The total wing area will be increased by 25 percent to 1,340 square feet (125 square meters), providing 30 percent more fuel capacity for a total of 6,878 U.S. gallons (26,136 liters).

The airplane's range will be approximately 3,000 nautical miles (3,454 statute miles or 4,847 kilometers), an increase of up to 900 nautical miles over current production 737s. This will allow U.S. transcontinental flights and increased 737 route capability throughout the world.

The aircraft will cruise at a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet --compared to 37,000 feet for the current 737 -- with a cruise speed of .79 Mach (530 mph), compared to .745 Mach for today's 737s. The aircraft's sprint capability is .82 Mach.

The 737-600/-700/-800 models are powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric of the United States and Snecma of France. The CFM56-7 will have a 10 percent higher thrust capability than the CFM56-3C engines that power today's 737s. To take additional advantage of the engine's increased thrust, the new 737's vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer are being enlarged.

Southwest Airlines launched the 737-700 in November 1993 with an order for 63 airplanes. The 737-800 was launched Sept. 5, 1994, with commitments from customers for more than 40 airplanes. German carrier Hapag-Lloyd will take delivery of the first 737-800 in early 1998. Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) became the launch customer for the 737-600 March 15, 1995, placing orders for 35 of the models. Deliveries to SAS will begin in the second half of 1998.

Since the product line was launched in 1993, 18 airlines worldwide have ordered a total of 389 new 737-600/-700/-800 models, setting a new aviation record.