Boeing 737 MAX to Compete with Airbus A320neo

September 9, 2011 Technology

This article was written by: Paul Stow

With an increasing number of airlines taking to the skies across Thailand, Boeing’s new re-design of the world’s most popular passenger aircraft, the 737 MAX, could one day become a common feature in Asian skies.

The US-based aircraft manufacturer said that the new model would be more fuel efficient, using CFM International’s LEAP-1B engines.

Boeing’s board of directors have given the green light to the production of the 737 MAX, based on order commitments from five

“The re-engined 737 will allow Boeing to continue to deliver the most fuel-efficient, most capable airplane with the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle market,” Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the statement.

He added that the airlines are requesting higher levels of profitability and fuel efficiency, while reducing their environmental footprint.

The 737 MAX will be in direct competition with the new generation of Airbus A320neos, which includes an option for its own version of the LEAP-X engine from CFM International.

Boeing, whose medium haul 737 has picked up more than 9,000 orders since it first took to the skies in 1967 has been under strong pressure from Airbus since it launched the new Airbus A320neo in December last year.

The new Airbus jet, which will be available from 2015 onwards, has already received more than 1,200 orders.

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