Boeing 737 chief project engineer Mike Delaney says that studies into offering the modifications as a retrofit package are still under way and will depend on customer demand. "We are committed to [develop the modifications] for aircraft going forward," he says.
For Brazilian carrier Gol, the enhancements will enable it to carry an extra 3,630kg (8,000lb) payload while landing at Rio de Janiero's downtown Santos Dumont airport. Aircraft departing from the airport's short, 1,310m (4,300ft) runway will also be capable of lifting an extra 1,090kg. Similar benefits are also expected for operators in and around Europe, including Danish carrier Maersk, whose interest is in improving capability in and out of the Faroe Islands, and was one of the triggers for the study (Flight International, 27 April-3 May).
Source: Flight International
