Customers
of Boeing's [NYSE: BA] Next-Generation 737 are validating the
benefits of the industry-leading Performance Improvement Package
(PIP), one year after the first airplane PIP airplane was delivered.
PIP combines aerodynamic and engine performance improvements to
reduce fuel burn by up to 2 percent and is part of the continuous
innovation on the world's best-selling airplane. More than 420
Next-Generation 737s have now been delivered with PIP.
"The
Performance Improvement Package has contributed to a remarkable fuel
mileage improvement compared to the non-PIP airplanes," said
Takeshi Katsurada, vice president of flight operations engineering
for Japan Airlines. "We can validate its improvement through
each delivery flight performance monitoring and also daily flight
operations monitoring to the extent of more than 2 percent fuel
mileage improvement."
Elements
of the performance improvement package, provided at no charge to
customers, have been gradually introduced on the 737 over the past
year. They include aerodynamic-shaped anti-collision lights,
streamlined slat and spoiler trailing edges, ski-jump wheel well
fairings re-contoured to smooth the air flow near the main landing
gear, and enhancements to the CFM engine. A re-contoured plug and
cutback nozzle completed the propulsion portion of the performance
improvement package. The final element of the package, a redesigned
environmental control system exhaust vent, is scheduled for mid-2013.
"These
improvements are important for our airline customers," said
Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program,
Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The improved fuel savings are part
of our commitment to deliver market-leading value to Next-Generation
737 customers. Improving fuel efficiency by 2 percent saves more than
$120,000 annually on each airplane and reduces the carbon footprint."
Boeing
began performance improvement testing in November 2010 with the goal
of reducing fuel consumption by up to 2 percent.
"Our
latest tests have shown that aircraft, which incorporate the
Performance Improvement Package, provide flydubai with up to 1.6
percent reduced fuel burn over non-PIP aircraft," said Ghaith Al
Ghaith, CEO of flydubai. "With a growing fleet, any savings we
can make towards our fuel costs are positive from both a financial
and environmental perspective. We look forward to Boeing introducing
the final part of the package, which will provide us with even
greater fuel savings."
