Boeing’s Future: Is a New 737 on the Horizon?
Following the 737 MAX fiasco, there are growing speculations about Boeing’s plans to develop a brand new plane to replace the 737. Critics question whether the company is seriously considering a clean-sheet design, while some suggest alternative concepts like blended-wing aircraft or transonic truss-braced wings. However, the reality is that these concepts haven’t reached a mature state yet, making them unviable replacements at this moment.
Understanding the Challenges
Boeing CEO David Calhoun has stated that the company is waiting for significant advancements in technology to achieve an efficiency increase of 20-30% before starting the development of a new plane. The airline industry, however, is not known for constantly pushing technological boundaries. Instead, it prioritizes reliability, proven efficiency, and operational ease, which are crucial for airlines to function effectively.
Major Operational Adjustments
Boeing has made significant operational adjustments in response to the global air travel collapse. There are over 13,000 employees slated for layoffs, including the first round of compulsory cuts following the 737 MAX fiasco. The aerospace company aims to shed around 10% of its global workforce, cutting the production of its 787 and partially resuming production of its 737 MAX after halting its assembly in January. This move reflects the company's efforts to reduce costs in response to airlines' reluctance to take new aircraft due to reduced passenger traffic.
Addressing the Imminent Changes
It is undeniable that Boeing is currently developing a successor to the current 737. The 737 series, while continuously updated, is now showing its age. The limitations of a basic design dating back to the 1960s are becoming increasingly apparent, especially with modern engines that have larger fan diameters. The 737’s design constraints mean that accommodating larger engines in the future will require significant modifications, essentially necessitating a new aircraft design.
The changes needed to safely accommodate larger engines in the current 737 airframe will be extensive. To meet these demands, the design will need to be radically transformed, making it virtually a new aircraft. This process will take a considerable amount of time and resources. Therefore, despite speculations of a "new 737," it is unlikely to be a viable replacement for the MAX planes currently in operation. Airlines will continue to operate their MAX fleets for years before any successor is even rolled out.
Conclusion
While a new 737 is undoubtedly on the horizon, it is a massive undertaking requiring considerable time and investment. Boeing cannot afford to ignore this necessity, given the technological advancements and evolving market dynamics. Therefore, the replacement plan, though complex, is a crucial step for the company to remain competitive and sustainable in the long term.