Boeing has completed most of the engineering work required on a longer range version of the 737-700 that could serve a variety of niche markets, including *operation over transatlantic routes*.
There was strong customer interest in the planned derivative,
according to Boeing officials, but the attention waned after the
September terrorist attacks as airlines focused on getting through
the disruption in operations caused by the tragedy.
Boeing marketing officials said they continue to talk to potential
customers about the derivative and wait for a return of interest in
the aircraft, which seats 126 passengers in a typical two-class
configuration and 149 in a single-class arrangement. “We’re ready to
do it when there is any customer demand,” a Boeing official said.
Modifications to the 737-700ERX would include the use of a 737-800
wing, center section, fuselage section over
the wing and landing gear system to accommodate a gross takeoff
weight increase to about 172,000 lb. from 154,500 lb.
The 737-800 wings look the same as those of the 737-700, but have
heavier metal structure to support the weight increase.
The -700ERX would also be equipped with an integrated fuel tank
system in the aft lower cargo hold that would enable the aircraft to
carry up to 2,000 more gallons of fuel and add another 700 naut. mi.
of range. The standard 737-700
has a maximum fuel capacity of 6,875 U.S. gal. and a range of about
3,200 naut. mi.
Meanwhile, launch of the planned 737-900X has been the focus of
Boeing’s marketing efforts within the 737 product line. The aircraft
would have increased passenger capacity and an added range of about
300 naut. mi.
Boeing officials said they had requests from a few airlines for
changes to the standard 737-900, which was a simple stretch of the
737-800. The first involved making the aircraft’s range comparable to
that of the smaller 737-800 through gross weight and performance
improvements, while charter operators wanted to increase the
derivative’s passenger capacity.
The number of passengers for the standard 737-900 model is limited to
189 owing to exit door restrictions, but optional Type 1 doors
installed aft of the wings on the -900X would increase seating
capacity to more than 200 passengers. The aircraft is targeted for
service entry in 2005.
_________________
I think this will be quite a succes…specially with low cost airlines, they will be able to expand operations on an economical budget.
By: rdc1000 - 17th April 2002 at 14:05
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-04-02 AT 02:06 PM (GMT)]thanks mongu, once again you come up trumps to support me.
By: mongu - 16th April 2002 at 19:53
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Agreed in full.
By: rdc1000 - 16th April 2002 at 19:44
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Going back to the original topic…
The reason for such an aircraft is not for “you and me” shall we say to fly the atlantic. It is to provide a dedicated aircraft for airlines to use for Premium passengers (ie business and first class) so that they can fly on an exclusive airliner. I think Private Air of Switzerland has been a major driving force in this. Having said that there are airlines that are planning to employ this technique, Lufthansa and BA have both looked at it. The middle eastern carriers are also looking at this method of transporting premium pax (Qatar Airways already has aircraft in place for this).
As for low fare transatlantic flights….well NOBODY on earth would use a 737! It is widely regarded that the larger the aircraft the lower the Seat Operating Costs (how much it costs to produce a seat on a flight). As a result IF we were to see a rebirth of long haul low fare airlines I think you would be unlikely to see anything smaller than a 767 on the route (as used efficiently by the long haul charter market), the 757 would be less suitable (even though some are used for long haul services by both charter and scheduled cariers) as it’s seat operating costs are higher than a 767-300s.
By: mongu - 16th April 2002 at 17:32
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
I also remember that the established carriers absolutely mauled Skytrain. I am unsure if Ryan or Easyjet can withstand BA/AA pressure (I mean, BA/AA have an awful lot more capacity).
The only success story is Virgin, although I don’t classify them as “low cost” seeing as they are actually “same cost”!
By: carl727 - 16th April 2002 at 15:14
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
I seem to remember that that was Lakers idea with “Skytrain” to the US, no food included, just a seat. Treat yourself to something nice from M & S food dept for your flight and have something tasty in economy for a change !
By: Hand87_5 - 15th April 2002 at 13:09
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
A frenchman may reply that no Yankee food might be good news !!! -:) -:)
By: mongu - 15th April 2002 at 12:20
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Well I don’t think they would use JFK – maybe some small unheard of field somewhere in upstate New York if past experience is anything to go by.
By: Pakistani - 15th April 2002 at 07:59
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Guys
I don’t think it is aircraft type, but rather landing slot availability, that stops low cost airlines flying across the pond.
If BA are having trouble getting slots, what chance does Ryan Air have!? The yanks are notorously stingy when it comes to slot allocation (well, so is everyone when you think about it….)
By: andrewm - 15th April 2002 at 05:17
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Well, all the low cost ops like Ryan Air, easyJet and GO shall have fun with that! Maybe the price of a ticket would be £30 one-way! But no food on a 7hr flight mmmmmm
I would still be up for it as long as i got the seat by the door!!
Regards,
Andrew M
By: keltic - 14th April 2002 at 16:33
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
It wouldn´t be successful. Some people would fly on a B737 but many people would feel a bit anguished in such a small enviroment. Studies about how long a human being would stand into a narrow body….hardly to stretch the legs, and no a maximun of six hours. The B757, would be more reasonable. More space between emergency doors and more seats. But if you remove the seats on a B737-700 as to be confortable, it wouldn´t be proffitable. Only a swiss charter airline tried to make long haul on a B737 and failed. The B757 would be interesting for LPL, but no problems to full a B767.
By: carl727 - 14th April 2002 at 16:21
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Interesting idea, particularly for opening up smaller markets maybe with direct flights. My local airport is Liverpool we have had 757s operating Orlando charters, plus specials to NYC. I have often thought with all the interest American have with the Beetles etc a direct NYC-LPL service might be attractive for someone with the right equipment. This long-range 737 might be it ?? Personally it wouldn’t bother me that is was smaller than the 767s etc which run out of MAN, because I find being able to get off a smaller plane quicker, therefore attractive. I hate that endless wait when you are on a wide-boy as it off-loads its passengers. Imsure there must be lots of interesting route combinations.
By: andrewm - 13th April 2002 at 18:26
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
THe 737-700 has always had the possiblity of Flying London -> New York as when i looked at Boeing website ages ago the 737-7 range was London (it might have actually been Brussels! opps)-> Boston and was the biggest range!
Regards,
Andrew M
By: EGNM - 13th April 2002 at 13:23
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
a lot of operaters use the 757 over the atlantic – a B757 pliot of AIH me and Benair met sadi b4 the intro of the 767’s in the AIH fleet they took the 757-200’s to Cancun in mexico!
By: keltic - 12th April 2002 at 22:36
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
I would go on a B757 neighter, too small.
By: mongu - 12th April 2002 at 18:16
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Well, transatlantic flights with B757-200 aircraft have operated for a while now. Continental do it, not sure who else?
As the previous post indicated, the 757-200 is only a bit larger than a 737 NG.
By: keltic - 12th April 2002 at 18:05
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
Crossing the Atlantic on a tiny B737?….no way for me although the airline gives me the ticket for free.
By: Bhoy - 12th April 2002 at 16:42
RE: B737 with transatlantic capabilities!
the 737-900 seems to me to equal the 757-200?
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April 12, 2002 at 3:49 pm