737 Next Generation Design Highlights (2024)

Overview

Digital design and manufacturing

The Next-Generation 737 is the first family of single-aisle jetliners designed concurrently using 100 percent 3D digital design and manufacturing technology. Concurrent design ensured that all Next-Generation 737 models enjoy maximum commonality and share the benefits of our ongoing technology and performance improvement program.

Greater operational flexibility

Today's most advanced navigation and situational awareness technologies give the Next-Generation 737 access to routes and approaches unavailable to less advanced aircraft. Improved takeoff and landing performance even at high elevations and on short runways provides operators greater flexibility.

Enhanced passenger experience

Passengers appreciate more room for carry-on items in bigger overhead bins. Optional features such as the latest in-flight entertainment systems, allows airlines to deliver information, customized programming, and revenue-generating content to every seat.

Reduced maintenance and improved environmental performance

Engine technology improvements, blended winglets and carbon brakes are among the enhancements that reduce maintenance and improve the environmental performance of today's Next-Generation 737. With an eye to the future, Boeing is committed to sustaining the technology leadership of the 737 family.

Features

Optional Blended Winglets
Enhanced Landing Gear
Advanced Wing Design
MSG-3 Rev. 2 Maintenance Program
Leading Flight Deck Technologies
Efficient CFM Engines
100% Digital Design
Inspired Interior Design
Improved Lavatories
Advanced Aircraft Assembly Process
Advanced Materials
Improved Corrosion Resistant Materials
Improved Auxiliary Power Unit

Advanced Wing

More Advanced Wing Design

Longer range, improved takeoff and landing performance

The wing of today's Next-Generation 737 is a new design compared to the 737 Classic, with greater area for more lift and an advanced geometry to reduce drag. Simpler control surfaces reduce weight and maintenance requirements. The new wing has a larger volume, so it can hold more fuel for longer range. Because it improves takeoff and landing performance, the new Next-Generation 737 wing also helps reduce community noise.

Next-Generation 737 Superior Design*

25% more wing area
30% greater fuel capacity
22% greater aerodynamic efficiency

* Next-Generation 737 versus 737 Classic

Innovative Winglet Technology

Innovative

Increase range, payload, and takeoff performance
Reduce fuel consumption and engine maintenance cost
Reduce noise
Increases residual value

Adding blended winglets to the highly efficient Next-Generation 737 wing boosts range, payload, takeoff and landing performance, and fuel economy. The improved performance allows pilots to use takeoff procedures that decrease wear and tear on engines and reduce community noise. The distinctive appearance of blended winglets can help differentiate the airline's brand. And as an additional benefit, winglets increase the airplane's residual value.

Superior Aerodynamic Design

Greater aerodynamic efficiency

The aerodynamic efficiency of the Next-Generation 737 wing increases the speed at which the airplane can cruise economically. Improved takeoff and landing performance translates into better performance at high-altitude airports and on short runways.

Advanced Engine

One Engine Multiple Thrust Options Offer Market Versatility

Increased asset value from commonality

Strategic partnerships, spare parts pooling and fleet expansion are easier for the 737, thanks to a high degree of commonality and standardization. Asset value and liquidity are enhanced because all three Next-Generation 737s share the same efficient CFM56-7BE engine. A range of available thrust ratings allows airlines to match engine performance to operational requirements for longer time on-wing.

CFM56-7BE Engine Improvements

CFM International (CFM) is using advanced computer programs and three-dimensional design techniques to improve airfoils in the high- and low-pressure turbines for enhanced engine performance. In addition, CFM is improving engine durability and reducing parts count to achieve lower maintenance costs. The CFM56-7BE engine enhancement program entered airline service in mid-2011 to coincide with Boeing Next-Generation 737 airframe improvements.

The CFM56-7BE-powered Next-Generation 737 enhanced airplane/engine combination provides a two-percent improvement in fuel consumption, which equates to a two-percent reduction in carbon emissions.

Engine performance improvements lower fuel consumption by approximately 1%.

Improved high pressure turbine
Optimized low pressure turbine
Improved primary nozzle and plug
Refined aft strut fairing heat shield

Advanced Flight Deck

Innovative Flight Deck Technologies

First to demonstrate flight deck technology advantages

The Next-Generation 737 is leading the way in the development and implementation of flight deck technologies that will enable the aviation industry to meet the strong demand for air transport. No airplane has gained as much operational experience using technologies such as head-up display (HUD), vertical situation display, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Landing System (GLS) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP). These systems enhance safety, and pilots can fly more stable and precise paths with little or no new ground infrastructure. Air traffic controllers can grant a suitably equipped Next-Generation 737 the most direct and economical routes and clearance to land and takeoff under weather conditions that would require other airplanes to divert or stay on the ground.

Familiar look and feel

All Boeing flight decks feature large-displacement flight controls. Controls are interlinked so that both pilots are immediately aware of any control input — whether from the other pilot or from the autopilot. Flight deck automation can smooth the flight and relieve the flight crew of many routine tasks, while keeping pilots aware of the airplane's situation. Pilots always have full authority to fly the airplane and to make crucial flight decisions.

These flight deck technologies are offered as optional features. This allows the customers to design their flight deck configuration to their specific requirements while minimizing weight and maintenance costs.

RNP Benefits

The first commercial airplane certified for RNP of 0.10 nautical miles

With Required Navigation Performance (RNP) certified at navigation precision of 0.10 nautical miles, the Next-Generation 737 qualifies for the most economical routes in busy airspace and the most direct approaches to runways restricted by noise regulations or terrain. Able to fly precise, preselected, 3D RNP flight paths without ground-based navigational aids, the Next-Generation 737 can maintain punctual schedules while other airplanes follow less efficient flight paths, circle in holding patterns, divert to other airports or stay on the ground. RNP capability delivers immediate operational advantages and supports evolving efforts to minimize flight delays and improve airspace utilization.