Mumbai: Jet Airways, which inducted the the 737 MAX 8 — the latest variant of the Boeing 737 single-aisle aircraft — last week, started its first commercial flight from Mumbai to Hyderabad on Sunday as a critical part of its strategy to enhance operation reliability and reduce costs.
The aircraft, first of Jet’s 225 next-generation planes with new interiors and upholstery, will also operate on the Delhi, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mangalore, Thiruchirapally and Abu Dhabi sectors this month.
The aircraft was delivered to Jet Airways at Boeing’s Washington-based Renton facility on June 19.
The MAX, an upgrade to the Boeing 733-300 – the world’s most-produced commercial jet airplane of all time — has been re-engined with the more efficient CFM International LEAP-1B. The aircraft is 40% more silent than other aircraft types and has improved aerodynamics, with split scimitar winglets increasing its fuel efficiency to up to 15%.
The airplane has been a favourite with Jet Airways ever since the airline commenced operations in 1994 with the 737-300s. Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube said, “The 737 MAX is critical to our strategy. It will also enable us to meet our strategic ambitions of growth, enhance operational reliability and reduce costs.”
Seats with USB ports
From the flier’s point of view, the aircraft comes with a two-class configuration of premiere and economy seats. The airline has gone in for Rockwell Collins MiQ Business Class seats, who also supply American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and others. Jet has opted for a shade of Aqua Blue, and the seats are lined in leather from Wollsdorf, which supplies leather covers to the luxury car market.
The overhead storage bins are redesigned to make the cabins look spacier. The seats come with USB ports, electronic device holders and coat hooks. Jet Airways has also opted for Space Bins, which will allow for more space to stow carry-on luggage. Each Space Bin will hold six standard-sized bags, two more than the large Boeing Sky Interior pivot bins currently installed on many next-generation 737s.
Budget carrier SpiceJet is the other Indian airline awaiting 737 Max planes. SpiceJet had announced its intention to acquire up to 205 new aircraft (including 55 from its 2014 order) from Boeing early last year. Deliveries are expected to begin in August.
Published - July 02, 2018 12:21 am IST
