.jpg) Korean Air's B737-900 aircraft. / Courtesy of Korean Air |
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Which aircraft is the most sold in the world?
It is the B737 family produced by Boeing.
The aircraft is gaining attention after Korean Air recently announced its plan to operate a low cost carrier with a fleet of B737-800 and B737-900 aircraft.
The best-selling aircraft, designed for short-haul routes, was first delivered in 1968 with the first model, the B737-100. Since then, the aircraft manufacturer has received more than 6,000 orders from 500 customer airlines, delivering 5,379 of them as of May this year.
The aircraft is taking the prominent lead, followed by 3,092 of Airbus' A320 and 1,348 of the B747, the so-called ``jumbo jet.'' Guinness World Records recognized the record in February 2006 when Boeing delivered its 5,000th B737 to Southwest Airlines.
The steady popularity of the B737 is attributable to the growing demand for short-range air travel and continuous improvement of the aircraft.
After the first model B737-100 was produced, Boeing developed 10 family models through continuous improvement _ older types of B737-100/200/300/400/500 and the next generation B737-600/700/800/900/900ER. The older models are not produced anymore.
Among the series, B737-800 is the best-selling _ 1,185 planes have been produced in eight years since the first model rolled out in 1997 and more than 2,000 orders have been made so far.
The aircraft was originally designed for short-haul routes such as domestic flights, but is now suitable for mid-haul routes as well through technical improvement.
In Korea, Korean Air operates 16 B737-800s and 16 B737-900s, while Asiana Airlines have seven B737-400s and three B737-500s _ B737 is the most used passenger jet here in Korea as well.
The five next generation B737 types have improved digital technology compared to the classic types. The new aircraft have state-of-the-art electronic devices that enhance the aircraft's safety and operating capability, including liquid crystal display (LCD) instrument panels and turbulence detecting radar.
Longer wings also enable the planes to load 30 percent more fuel than the old, thus increasing operation range. New engines have also enhanced thrust by 15 percent and speed, while decreasing fuel consumption and noise.
The popularity of the B737 series is likely to continue, as new air travel markets are emerging, such as China and India, and a growing number of low cost carriers, which focus on short and mid-range routes, are being established.
rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr
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