Boeing’s board of directors has approved the launch of the new engine variant of the market-leading 737, based on order commitments for 496 airplanes from five airlines and a strong business case. The new 737 family will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines optimized for the 737. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.
Boeing has named Bob Feldmann vice president and general manager of the new engine 737 family. With 35 years of aerospace experience, Feldmann most recently led the Surveillance and Engagement division within Boeing Military Aircraft, a unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security that includes several commercial derivative programs based on the 737 platform. He has been instrumental in leading the successful development of complex programs such as the EA-18G Growler and the P-8A Poseidon.
Michael Teal has been named vice president, chief project engineer and deputy program manager. Teal’s most recent role was vice president and chief project engineer on the 747-8 program, where he was instrumental in managing the airplane’s configuration and integration, performance, safety, test and certification.
