Boeing’s Mid-Market Jet Delayed Until the Mid-2030s

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said last week that the plans for a New Midsize Airplane, initially intended to replace the out-of-production 757, were canceled in 2020, prompting a call for a fresh approach. Engine makers also anticipate that significant advancements in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, substantial enough to warrant groundbreaking plane designs, are unlikely to occur until the next decade.

Looking forward to 2025 and beyond, should Boeing invest in its 797 New Midsize Airplane (NMA) project or replace it’s best selling 737 with a brand new 150 to 250 seat design using 787 and 777X technologies?

Boeing was developing plans for the New Midsize Airplane (NMA), also known as the Boeing 797, to bridge the gap between the 737 Max and the 787 Dreamliner. The NMA would be a twin-aisle aircraft with a seating capacity of 225 to 275 and a range of 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles.

According to Boeing, the market demand for mid-market aircraft over the next 20 years could reach 4,000 to 5,000 units, generating a staggering $3.2 trillion in revenue. To meet this demand, Boeing aims to offer a highly efficient and tailored solution that caters to the needs of both airlines and passengers in this segment.

However, Boeing faces tough competition from Airbus, which has already introduced the A321LR and A321XLR as alternatives in the mid-market category. The A321LR and A321XLR are extended-range versions of the A321neo, a narrow-body jet that competes with the Boeing 737-10 Max. These aircraft are designed to serve routes that require longer range but don’t justify the use of wide-body jets.

The A321LR entered service in 2019 and has already garnered significant interest from airlines such as Air Transat, Aer Lingus, and TAP Air Portugal. Airbus has received 163 orders, with 41 A321LRs delivered as of October 2021. On the other hand, the A321XLR, set to debut in 2023, has already secured 600 orders from major airlines including American Airlines and United Airlines.

While several airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Lion Air, have shown interest in the Boeing NMA concept, no official orders or commitments have been made as Boeing has yet to officially launch the project.

Although the NMA project was put on hold in 2020 for reevaluation, Boeing later revived it in early 2021 with plans for a shorter variant. However, in June 2022, the company announced a delay in development until new engines and development tools reach maturity.

With the cancellation of the 757 and the discontinuation of the new mid-market plane, airlines are now exploring alternative options to meet their medium-range fleet requirements.

Boeing’s decision to focus on future innovations aligns with industry experts’ calls to explore new possibilities and technologies. While groundbreaking plane designs with significant fuel efficiency and emissions reduction advancements are expected in the next decade, the industry is actively working on developing more environmentally friendly engines and technologies.

As Boeing continues to redefine its strategy and seek new opportunities, the aviation industry eagerly awaits the company’s future plans and their impact on the future of air travel.