Boeing has had plans for a New Midsize Airplane (NMA), for some time. Development of this
aircraft, presumed to be designated the 797, has been put on hold. But with the launch of the
popular Airbus A321XLR, Boeing needs something to compete. What could a new 797 look like?
Discussions have been ongoing since at least 2015 about a New Midsize Airplane. This was seen as
a replacement for the aging but popular Boeing 757 but was expected to be larger than the 757,
with a capacity of around 220 and a range of 8,300 kilometers (5160mi). A stretched version
with capacity up to 267 was also rumored. These plans were never confirmed,
nor a program officially launched. There had been interest, however, from United as
well as Delta Air Lines, Qantas, and Icelandair. In 2020, incoming CEO Dave Calhoun put plans on
hold. Boeing was suffering from ongoing 737 MAX issues, and Airbus had launched the A321XLR –
possibly prompting Boeing to need something better. The effects of the
pandemic had yet to be realized, but that will of course now play a part in any new plans.
Airbus launched the A321LR in 2015, which entered service in 2018. The A321XLR is well on the way,
due to enter service next year. This offers a range of 4,700 nm (8,700 kilometers), using
additional centre and rear fuel tanks. Like other A321 variants, it will fit up to 244 passengers.
With the A321XLR opening up lower-demand long-haul routes,
any new revised Boeing plan is likely to be based on competing with the A321XLR.
This doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the same design of a narrowbody with additional fuel tanks.
Naturally, Boeing will want a competitive capacity, range and efficiency – but could do this
in many ways. While no plans have been confirmed by Boeing, there are several possibilities.
In the current market, launching a new clean-sheet development seems unlikely.
It would be very expensive and take longer to get to market when Boeing is already behind.
Assuming the necessary tooling could be procured and updated, a so-called
757X could be re-engined to improve efficiency and range. The 757 may have ended production,
but it remains popular with airlines. The 757 was already known for its range
and operating capabilities at tough airports. An updated version could improve on this and
offer a slightly higher capacity than the A321XLR. An updated 767X has also been rumored in the past.
This jet remains in production today, but only in military tanker and freighter form.
However, this means that facilities already exist to produce the platform. Re-engined with
the General Electric G.E.n.x. Engines, this would provide gains in efficiency and a jet that would
properly fill the gap below the smallest 787. Finally, perhaps a new 787 could be developed
as a revised short-haul variant. A 787-3 variant was initially proposed, which could be re-visited.
A further shrink of the Dreamliner would still take capacity and range - not to mention maximum
takeoff weight- way above the A321XLR, however. Boeing 787 production lines, of course,
are in place, making this a simpler option. At this point, an NMA will still require
several years of development. With the situation as it is, perhaps it’s best for
Boeing to begin drafting a 737 replacement, with the ability to stretch towards filling
that middle-market segment with sufficient range… But what do you think? What kind of jet would best
compete in the middle-market segment against the A321XLR? Let us know by leaving a comment.