FARNBOROUGH - With more than 75 aircraft in service with airlines on five continents, the advanced CFM56-7-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 is meeting all expectations while setting new records for aircraft orders. To date, 52 customers worldwide have ordered 999 Next-Generation 737-600/-700/-800/-900 aircraft, making it the fastest-selling engine/aircraft combination in history.
The CFM56-7 is produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma of France and General Electric of the United States.
Since entering revenue service with Southwest Airlines in January, the 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft in service have logged more than 120,000 flight hours and more than 72,000 cycles. This rapid accumulation of hours is due to the high utilization rate of the aircraft. Southwest 737s, which have the highest utilization rate of the fleet, accumulate an average of 13 flights per day. The first 737-600 is scheduled for delivery to Scandinavian Airlines System later this month; the 737-900, which was launched late last year, is due to enter service in 2001.
The CFM56-7 engine was developed to provide Next-Generation 737 operators with substantial improvements versus the industry-leading CFM56-3 on the classic 737, including dramatically lower operating costs, better performance, higher reliability, and improved operability. By incorporating such advanced technology as three-dimensional aero design, a high efficiency wide chord fan, and advanced electronic engine control, the CFM56-7 has fulfilled that promise in service.
The engine's specific fuel consumption (SFC) is significantly lower than that of the CFM56-3 on current 737s, resulting in better aircraft fuel burn. A reduction of 1 percent in fuel burn can mean an annual savings of up to $15,000 per aircraft.
In addition, CFMI has improved the engine cycle, resulting in increased EGT (exhaust gas temperature) margin, and has incorporated advanced materials and thermal barrier coatings in the high pressure turbine for enhanced durability. CFM56-7 maintenance costs are projected to be 15 percent lower at equivalent thrust than those of the industry-leading CFM56-3C1. Engine reliability, low operating temperatures, and durability features will extend time on wing up to 20 percent compared to other CFM56 engines.
In addition to Southwest, the following airlines have taken delivery of Next-Generation 737 aircraft: Air Berlin, Braathens, Continental, Eastwind, Germania, Hainan, Hapag-Lloyd, LAPA, Maersk, North American, Royal Air Maroc, Sabre, Shanghai, Sterling, Transavia, TER Basel, and Transaero.