Now that Boeing officially started its search for a replacement of the 737 ( https://www.aviation24.be/posts15737-highlight.html), the study has been split into 2 variants: one around 90-100 capacity, and one in the 150 seats range. Although Boeing keeps its mouth shut, it seems likely the company is willing to penetrate into the regional market, by concentrating one part of its research on the 90 seat range.
A discission for the engine choice will be made as early as 2008, with the official launch later that year, and service entry expected in 2012.
SOURCE: Flight International
Last edited by killerwhale65 on 08 Mar 2006, 13:26, edited 1 time in total.
Boeing dropped the 717 because it was not selling. Another example of not being able to shrink a larger aircraft down to a small size and have it economical. (Airbus has that problem with the current A380, its designed to be stretched, but the smaller versions has to cart that extra weight around).
Truly a design that was at the far end of its usefulness. Backslung engine are not the most efficient way to go (also an issue with shedding ice into them).
Also note that Airbus tried to convince authorities the baby A320 as a light aircraft so they could get Learjet type landing fees, no go.
De Havilland does turbo props, and Boeing decided that was not its bag (and major issues with Canadian unions. )
Extremely smart move by Boeing, as all the lower level mfgs are starting to nip at the heels of the 100-110 seat aircraft, and that’s part of their stock in trade. You can bet that’s where the Chinese will try to challenge and the Russians, cut them off at the pass.
Come out with a technologically advanced aircraft and have the fight take place at that level, and not let them move up the chain to challenge. Lessons with Airbus being taken to corporate heart, let no contender go unchallenged.
Also not that they now have two sections working on the replacement Boeing 737. I think the timeline is a lot closer than they are letting on, I expect to see it flying by 2010.
It is hard to believe that Airbus won't come up with a competing variant of its NG A320 if Boeing comes up with a 90 seat 737R...
While the A320 is still selling so well, I hope they won't get too arragant and delay the A320 replacement programme... i mean that is kind of the case with the 787/A350, the A340/330 was too successful a few year's back that they did not even thought about a replacement...
I would not be surprised if Boeing will look to Easter Europe for a low end replacement for the 737 (70-90 seats). I mean the Sukhoi/Alenia program. What do you think?
https://www.aviation24.be/posts15737-highlight.html), the study has been split into 2 variants: one around 90-100 capacity, and one in the 150 seats range. Although Boeing keeps its mouth shut, it seems likely the company is willing to penetrate into the regional market, by concentrating one part of its research on the 90 seat range.
