Boeing unveiled its first 737 MAX 8 aircraft Tuesday morning in Seattle.
While the plane -- the first of a more efficient single-aisle family -- is important for the aircraft manufacturer, Tuesday's event was for employees and suppliers only. That's in somewhat striking contrast to the celebration and fanfare new aircraft often receive.
Here she is! We’re proud to debut the very first #737MAX https://t.co/M6Z0nzNEgu #Boeing pic.twitter.com/4gsFzRvmJT— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) December 8, 2015
Coming soon, the high tech LEAP-1B engines that bring max fuel savings. https://t.co/NWm4RysclR #737MAX #Boeing pic.twitter.com/n1oh1OjEUy— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) December 8, 2015
The 737 MAX 8 is intended to compete with rival Airbus' A320neo, the first of which is expected to be delivered to Qatar Airways by the end of the year. Boeing's first customer for the 737 MAX 8 will be Southwest Airlines, some time in 2017.
“All the milestones have been met. Engineering has been early. The supply chain is performing well," Keith Leverkuhn, Boeing vice-president and general manager for the 737, said of the unveiling, which was limited in attendance to employees and suppliers. "When the airplane actually showed up here in the factory, the mechanics were ready to go. The parts teams were ready to go. So this is a celebration for the team.”
If most planes look the same to you (unlike all of the people who are extremely excited about this unveiling), one important detail to look at is the winglet -- that is, the end of the wing.
The 737 MAX 8 has a distinct split winglet, which gives it increased range and fuel efficiency.
.@Airbus vs. @BoeingAirplanes Neo vs. MAX pic.twitter.com/U9DXTkjLvF— Jason Rabinowitz (@AirlineFlyer) December 8, 2015
Boeing unveils first 737 MAX and its new assembly line https://t.co/2bqod4KK0a pic.twitter.com/J3WuuE2KgH— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) December 8, 2015
The 737 MAX 8 is supposed to be 20% more fuel efficient than current 737s. Boeing contends that the planes will have operating costs 8% lower than competitors, according to CNN.
Tuesday's unveiling comes almost 50 years after the original 737 made its debut.