Daijiworld Media Network - Chicago

Chicago, Sep 30: Boeing Co. has reportedly started early-stage development of a next-generation single-aisle aircraft, which could eventually replace the 737 Max, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The new narrowbody aircraft is in its conceptual and design phase, with internal design efforts and exploratory discussions with engine manufacturers already underway. CEO Kelly Ortberg reportedly met with Rolls-Royce executives in the UK earlier this year to discuss a potential new engine for the aircraft. Boeing has also appointed a senior product leader within its commercial aircraft division who has prior experience developing a new type of aircraft.

The initiative comes amid growing safety concerns over the 737 Max, particularly following a mid-air panel failure on an Alaska Airlines jet last year, marking Boeing’s largest crisis since the worldwide grounding of its Max jets in 2019 after two fatal crashes.
Ortberg has not publicly announced any plans for a 737 successor, and Boeing stated that it remains focused on its ongoing recovery plan, the report added.

The development signals Boeing’s intention to future-proof its narrowbody lineup and restore investor and public confidence in its commercial aircraft operations.