Published: 24/03/2011 at 12:00 AM
Boeing is due to make a long-awaited decision in mid-2011 on whether to build a replacement to its B737, the best-selling aircraft whose history dates back to the 1960s.
The B737-900ER is Boeing’s newest version of the B737 family in service.
Randy Tinseth, vice-president of marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, confirmed the date in an interview in Bangkok as the US company considers the future of its narrow-body jetliner programme.
The decision depends on whether Boeing can meet the tough technological requirements its airline customers want to see in the 100- to 200-seat segment.
"Airlines want to see a 15-20% fuel burn improvement over today's planes, up to a 30% improvement in maintenance costs, and they want a double-digit improvement in overall cost," said Mr Tinseth.
"They want a plane that would probably be wider and more comfortable for passengers. So the bar is very high for a new plane."
Boeing is now working on a cross-section of a new aircraft that would be slightly bigger than today's single-aisle B737.
It could possibly accommodate twin aisles, similar to wide-body aircraft.
Alternatively, it could make further improvements to its B737, primarily by means of a "re-engine"m programme _ refitting engines with newer, fuel-efficient, quieter and environmentally friendly turbines.
"If the technology does not support the new airplane shape at the end of the decade, the option is open for re-engine," he said.
"Any decision to re-engine will be based on whether there is real value for customers."
However, Boeing chief executive Jim McNerney was quoted on Feb 10 as saying the company's current bias is not to re-engine but to design a whole new plane at the end of the decade. If it takes this path, the dual-engine planes would take to the skies by 2020, said Mr Tinseth.
The company started to look at B737 replacement about five years under a study known as Yellowstone 1, but the study was put on hold in 2008.
A new plane, yet to be named, was partially stalled by delays in new technologies for engines, aerodynamics, materials and other systems, as well as order potential.
Boeing is continuing to make improvements to the B737 with current efforts focusing on modifying parts that, along with engine improvements, will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 2%.
The improved Next-Generation 737 is expected to be flying by early next year after flight tests and certification of the changes.
The B737 is the manufacturer's best-selling aircraft, with 5,692 firm orders and 3,526 delivered to 128 customers as of Jan 31.
Thai Airways International and the budget carrier Nok Air operate B737s.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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