Boeing pushes back 737 replacement date

SEATTLE – The Boeing Co. has pushed back the date for a possible replacement to its popular 737 jet by several years, saying it needs more time to advance the underlying technology.

Chicago-based Boeing put together a team to “study the possibility of creating a new airplane for the narrow-body market” in 2006, Boeing spokeswoman Sandy Angers said Friday. Since the 737’s 1967 debut, the aircraft has won Boeing more than 6,000 orders.

Angers said conversations with airline customers made it clear that requirements for a replacement plane – 15 percent to 20 percent better fuel efficiency, 25 percent lower maintenance costs – would require major technological advances in aerodynamics, materials, and the jet’s engine and electrical systems, among other areas.

“Our customers have told us that a new single-aisle, narrow-body airplane must have compelling advances over the current products,” Angers said. “We’ve estimated that those technologies won’t mature in the near term.”

In response, Boeing has now reduced its 737-replacement airplane design effort and will focus on technology research and development.

Angers said first deliveries of a replacement 737 are now expected in the latter part of the next decade, instead of in 2012 as first predicted.

The 737 competes with Toulouse, France-based Airbus’ hot-selling A320, which went into service in 1988 and has brought in more than 5,500 orders.