Maersk Air Becomes First Next-Generation 737-700 Operator in Europe
Maersk Air, a major regional airline in Scandinavia, became the first European airline to take delivery of a Boeing Next-Generation 737-700, one of the newest members of the popular 737 family.
The 737-700 is the 53rd 737 delivered to the airline since 1976.
"We're pleased with our choice for the Next-Generation 737 because it will set new and higher standards for reductions in noise and emissions. This is the most environmentally friendly airplane in its class today and will be for some time to come. It will be very much welcomed in the communities where we fly. The fact that Maersk Air will be flying a more efficient airplane will benefit both our customers and competition," said Maersk Air President Flemming Knudsen.
The Next-Generation 737 models are particularly popular among environmentally-conscious carriers because of lower noise and emissions than competing aircraft. The Next-Generation 737 family -- the 737-600/-700/-800/-900 models are designed to fly faster, farther and quieter than previous 737 models, and continues to be the fastest-selling jetliner model in history.
"Orders for the Next-Generation 737 from airlines in Europe have been strong, continuing the 737's pre-eminence as the world's most popular and reliable commercial jet transport," said Boeing Commercial Airplane Group President Ron Woodard. "We're pleased the Next-Generation 737-700 will enable Maersk Air to continue to provide comfortable passenger service and contribute to the airline's growth and future success."
The Next-Generation 737s build on the strengths that have made the 737 the world's most successful commercial airplane while incorporating improvements designed for the 21st century. The 737 family alone has won orders for more than 3,900 airplanes -- more orders than the company's biggest competitor has won for its entire product line since it began business.
The 737-700 models are powered by new CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric of the U.S. and Snecma of France. The CFM56-7 has a 10-percent higher thrust capability than the CFM56-3C engines powering the 737-300/-400/-500 models.
Last month, Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), which comprise the aviation regulatory authorities of 27 countries, recommended type validation of the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700. Actual type certificates will be awarded by the individual countries.
The validation recommendation formally recognizes that the 737-700 has passed the stringent design and testing requirements mandated by the JAA and is ready to enter passenger service with airlines throughout Europe. The 737-700 was awarded type certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Nov. 7, 1997, clearing the airplane for passenger service within the United States.
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