Boeing has commenced certification testing on a United 737-800 of a series of performance improvements designed to give the evergreen airliner a two per cent reduction in fuel consumption – one per cent from engine improvements and one per cent from aerodynamics changes.
The performance package comprises changes to the aircraft’s CFM 56-7BE engines’ low and high pressure turbines, and aerodynamic improvements including new main wheel fairings, a redesigned environmental control system, exhaust vents and wing slats and spoilers, and new elongated teardrop shaped upper and lower anti-collision lights.
Testing and certification will continue through until April 2011.
