EVENDALE, OHIO - CFM56-7 engines have been installed on the first Boeing Next-Generation 737-900 in preparation for flight testing and certification in March 2001.
The CFM56-7 is the exclusive powerplant for Boeing Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800/-900 aircraft and the Boeing Business Jet. The engine is produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs of France and General Electric of the United States.
The first airplane will roll out July 23 at the Boeing Renton plant, located near Seattle, Washington, at a celebration including launch customer Alaska Airlines. First flight is scheduled for August 2000. Following a 381-hour flight test program and aircraft/engine certification, Alaska Airlines will take delivery of the first aircraft in April 2001. In addition to Alaska, Continental, KLM, and Korean Air are 737-900 launch customers and will each take delivery of 737-900s in 2001, as well. These four airlines have placed a combined total of 45 firm, 28 option 737-900 orders.
The CFM56-7, rated from 18,500 to 27,300 pounds takeoff thrust, has built an outstanding in-service record since entering service in early 1998. More than 550 airplanes have been delivered to date, and the fleet has logged more than 3.3 million flight hours while maintaining a 99.94 dispatch reliability rate. The CFM56-7-powered 737 made history last year when it became the first single-aisle aircraft in its class to be granted 180-minute Extended-Range, Twin-Engine Operations (ETOPS) approval by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
The 737-900, the longest Next-Generation 737, is capable of carrying 177 to 189 passengers and has a range of approximately 2,745 nautical miles.