U.S. aviation giant Boeing has commenced the manufacture of the first 737 MAX commercial plane at its Renton, Washington production facilities. Around 2700 units of the aircraft model have been ordered and Boeing said that it is right on schedule.
"Achieving this milestone on schedule is a testament to the success of the 737 and our integrated design and build team," Boeing senior executive Keith Leverkuhn was quoted by online publication Aerospace Manufacturing & Design saying. The plane manufacturer is targeting a 2016 schedule for the initial test flights of the first batch of 737 MAXs.
Assembly procedure
Workers have started assembly of the 737 MAX wing components, which Boeing said is normally the first plane parts that get to be completed. Once the wings are completed, likely by the end of 2015, the components will be attached to the fuselage.
The entire building process is expected to gain perfection and speed up in the months ahead. Boeing officials are looking to roll out at least 42 airplanes per month by the time such level has been achieved, the publication said.
Long list of orders to fulfil
The 737 MAX is powered by the LEAP-1B engines, prized for its high fuel efficiency and reliability. The plane's core design of single-aisle is also credited for providing comfort to travellers while giving up to 20 percent of aviation fuel savings due to improved aerodynamics, according to Aerospace Manufacturing & Design.
With its popularity, Boeing revealed that 2720 units have been reserved and delivery will be made to 57 customers across the globe, likely starting on 2017.
Rival
Expected to tussle directly with the 737 MAX is the Airbus A320neo that according to the Agence France Presse (AFP) will likely hit sky two years from now. The two will try to get the attention of carriers looking to put up fleets that will service short and medium distance flight routes, the report added.
