New Boeing Jet Design is Underway

Boeing Commercial Airplanes has begun to evaluate design choices for a new narrow-body aircraft, larger than the forthcoming 737 MAX 10. According to a report by Bloomberg, Boeing is indicating it aims to introduce the new model by 2030 and make it available for commercial service by the middle of the next decade.

A similar report emerged last year in connection with Boeing’s recurrent design problems with the 737 MAX series, suggesting Boeing had a successor aircraft option in development.

This effort is distinct from the New Midmarket Aircraft/797 effort that became a focus during the past decade. That was to have been a class of twin-aisle jets to seat 225-275 passengers, with a range of 4,500-5,000 nmi (8,300-9,300 km / 5,150-5,775 miles.) That project stalled amidst the organizational upheaval the followed from the 737 MAX grounding, and the reassessment of the market opportunity brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, Boeing is said to be seeking aircraft that can be as cost efficient as the single-aisle 737 MAX - but with capacity for more passengers and longer range. Boeing’s largest 737 option now is the 737 MAX 10, which will carry up to 230 passengers and has a range of approximately 3,300 nautical miles (3,796 miles / 6,110 km.) Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it expects to certify the MAX 10 for service later this year.

One report of Boeing’s goal suggests the new aircraft would be a modernized version of the Boeing 757, last manufactured in 2004. The 757 has a seating capacity of up to 295 passengers, and a range of 3,400 nmi (6,295 km / 3,900 miles.)

Choosing the advanced design elements of the new aircraft is the process now underway for Boeing engineers. A lighter weight and more aerodynamic design incorporating insights from the 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner, including use of composite materials, may be assumed. The longer, carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, airfoil wings with folding tips featured on the 777X are a possible choice, according to reports.

The reports also make clear that Boeing will not be opting for various emerging aircraft design possibilities, such as the blended wing or open-rotor engine concepts. A recognizable tube structure with turbofan engines appear to be likely, based on customers’ expectations.

A Boeing spokeswoman told Bloomberg that the company’s planners steadily evaluate the commercial aircraft market’s requirements, emerging technologies, and financial considerations to determine the optimal schedule for product launches - but did not confirm that any new aircraft model is in progress.