Psychologist helps makeover of 737

Sculpted sidewalls contribute to the impression of bigger windows in the next generation of 737s.

Boeing has unveiled details of its next-generation 737 to drum up business among airlines - including Air New Zealand - as demand for planes is hit by global recession.

The planemaker has seen its first-quarter profit drop by half in the first part of this year, but says demand for its 737, the world's most popular passenger plane, remains strong despite "market dynamics" with a backlog of 2203 aircraft.

The next-generation aircraft is due to be delivered to airlines in 2011. In an international launch yesterday for media in Seattle and elsewhere via video conference, Boeing plugged the features of the new model, including reduced fuel consumption of up to 2 per cent through airframe and engine improvements and a remodelled interior.

A psychologist, cultural anthropologist and focus groups around the world have contributed to the new cabin which borrows design features from the yet-to-fly 787 Dreamliner. It features sculpted sidewalls, contributing to the impression of bigger windows, and larger pivoting overhead storage bins adding to the openness of the cabin.

The pitch included details of the bin latch design (it can be pushed or pulled open) and the fact that reading light switches have been redesigned to avoid accidentally pressing the flight-attendant call button.

Reduced drag through fuselage modifications, including a more streamlined anticollision light, and engine modifications could save airlines more than $300,000 a year per aircraft based on industry average use and recent average fuel prices. Depending on how hard the aircraft was run, there were maintenance savings of up to 4 per cent.

Chief project engineer for the 737 John Hamilton said Boeing believed the model had plenty of life left.

The 737 has been the shorthaul workhorse for most airlines since the late 1960s but has faced stiff competition from Airbus' A320 since the late 1980s.

"It's a tough airplane to replace - there's no big bang out there," said Hamilton.

Air New Zealand has 15 Boeing 737s with an average age of 11 years. A spokesman said the airline would decide what to replace them with by November.

Air New Zealand also has eight of the long 787 Dreamliners on order, originally scheduled for delivery between 2010 and 2013. The first 787s are now likely to arrive at least two years behind schedule. It also has four 777-300ER aircraft on order from Boeing which will be delivered on schedule, in 2010 and 2011.