Crossing the Atlantic on a narrow 737 aircraft
Question: What is your opinion on airlines using narrow-body aircraft like the new Boeing 737 MAX for trans-Atlantic routes?
— Arnold Rojas, Elizabeth, N.J.
Answer: Twin-engine airplanes go through very rigorous certification standards to fly over water. The Boeing 737 MAX meets these strict standards, ensuring that safety is maintained.
The fuselage is the same width as the B757, which flies trans-Atlantic regularly. In addition, the B737 flies from the West Coast to Hawaii, which is a longer overwater flight than routes from the Northeast U.S. to Western Europe.
The B737 MAX and A321LR will do very well in the trans-Atlantic markets where wide-body airplanes are not economical.
Q: What are the main differences and improvements on the 737 MAX from the 737, and how can it be compared with the Airbus A320neo?
— Andrew Cunnison, Portmore, Jamaica
A: The MAX is the fourth major upgrade to the B737, which originally flew in 1967. The MAX upgrade has more efficient engines and less aerodynamic drag.
The A320neo is the second major upgrade to the A320 family.
On both the A320neo and the B737 MAX, the primary improvement is in engine efficiency.
The 737 MAX and A320neo are fierce competitors for airline business.
They are similar in performance and capability.
Q: How many hours can a Boeing 737 fly without refueling ? — Juan Browne, Brazil A: A Boeing 737-700 ER can fly more than 12 hours. Standard tanks allow around seven hours.