Boeing Is Reportedly In Beginning Stages Of Developing 737 MAX Replacement

American planemaker Boeing could already be at the beginning stages of a new single-aisle, twin-engine jet that would eventually replace the Boeing 737 MAX family of aircraft. Earlier this year, the planemaker’s Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Ortberg, had a meeting with Rolls-Royce Holdings, which could be the developer of the new aircraft’s engines.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the news of Boeing developing a potential new aircraft comes at a time when the report has also stated that the planemaker is also formulating designs that would see a refreshed, redesigned flight deck. These plans are in the earliest stages of development, with decisions on whether they would ever come into production still undecided.

Keeping Quiet On Any New Developments

Reuters reached out to both Boeing and Rolls-Royce for more information on new aircraft developments, and neither immediately responded with any comments confirming or denying the claims of new aircraft designs. However, the American planemaker remains focused on delivering the nearly 6,000 outstanding aircraft orders. Boeing remains dedicated to ensuring the certification of aircraft types that still await the FAA’s final seal of approval.

Boeing has faced an uphill battle in the last decade, following the 737 MAX aircraft deliveries, which entered service in 2017, but following two fatal accidents, leaving 346 dead. These incidents played havoc with the manufacturer’s bank balance, slashing profit and triggering global lawsuits and investigations. The type was grounded in 2019 and was only lifted the year following.

A third incident, where Alaska Airlines was operating a MAX flight out of Portland, Oregon, had its door plug blow out mid-flight, leading to intense scrutiny from the FAA. The investigations of this flight found four missing bolts, which led the U.S Justice Department to open a criminal investigation, leading to the planemaker being found not in compliance with expected safety measures.

Orders Keep Coming For The 737 MAX

On Friday, September 26, European low-cost carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle announced its intentions to exercise options to buy an additional 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes. This brought the carrier’s total order to 80 airplanes. With final delivery for the last aircraft not expected until 2031, it would signal a change in the tides for the once intercontinental carrier.

Norwegian, before the COVID-19 Pandemic, seemed unstoppable, launching several long-haul international flights with the 787, and plenty of routes across Europe with its 737. With its iconic red nose and famous tail fin heroes, the airline will see this monumental order secure the carrier’s future. The airline’s CEO, Geir Karlsen, said that “this milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned growth and sustainability targets.”

Not only did Norwegian make headlines last week, but also the global carrier, Turkish Airlines. The Istanbul-based airline, which serves more countries than any other airline, ordered 75 new Boeing 787, alongside 150 737 MAX aircraft, the largest ever widebody one-time purchase for the Star Alliance carrier. These aircraft will support the airline’s global ambitions and extensive fleet renewal programme.

Boeing To Issue Its Own Airworthiness Certificates From This Week

According to Reuters, the Federal Aviation Administration will permit, from this week, Boeing to issue airworthiness certificates on some 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This comes after the authority was revoked for the MAX in 2019 and the 787 in 2022. This was initially revoked due to ongoing production quality concerns.

Starting from September 29, both Boeing and the FAA will alternate weeks on the issuing of certificates, which will lead to more deliveries, and the acknowledgement that the American planemaker has confidence in the administration that it can produce quality and safe aircraft. This decision followed an extensive review of Boeing’s production quality and surveillance that was undertaken as part of the review process.

The current production cap of 38 MAX aircraft per month remains firm; however, the FAA will conduct extensive planning and reviews should Boeing request a rate increase.