NextGen 737 Brakes Earn FAA Certification

Boeing has earned U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification for its new carbon brakes designed for the Next-Generation 737. The brakes, supplied by Messier-Bugatti, also entered service recently when Boeing delivered a Next-Generation 737-700 to Delta Air Lines -- the first of 10 737-700s the airline will receive over the next several years.
Carbon brakes weigh 700 pounds less than high-capacity steel brakes for Next-Generation 737-700, -800 and -900ER (Extended Range) airplanes; and 550 pounds less than standard-capacity steel brakes for Next-Generation 737-600s and -700s. Reduced weight contributes to reductions in associated fuel burn and CO2 emissions depending on airline operations. Delta is coupling lighter weight carbon brakes with drag- and emissions-reducing Blended Winglets (wing tip extensions) to improve operating and fuel efficiency on its Next-Generation 737s. Carbon brakes are the most recent enhancement that Boeing is offering on its Next-Generation 737.