Boeing delivers test bed performance improvement 737

Boeing delivered to United the Next-Generation 737-800 that was used as the flying test bed for the performance improvement package. The airplane played a key role in testing and certifying the performance improvement package now available on Next-Generation 737s. Boeing began performance improvement testing in November 2010 with the goal of reducing fuel consumption by up to 2 percent. For customers, that would mean saving an average of $120,000 per airplane, per year, based on current fuel prices. The result of the testing is a package of performance improvements that includes aerodynamic shaped anti-collision lights, streamlined slat and spoiler trailing edges, wheel well fairings re-contoured to smooth the air flow near the main landing gear and a redesigned environmental control system exhaust vent. Meanwhile, CFM has introduced the new CFM56-7BE, an enhanced version of its already fuel-efficient engine. The improved design engine includes a high and low pressure turbine modification which is now standard on all production 737s.