Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) is moving forward with early plans for a new single-aisle aircraft designed to succeed the 737 MAX, in an effort to regain competitiveness against Airbus (EU:AIR), the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
The report notes that CEO Kelly Ortberg held talks earlier this year with Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) in the U.K. to explore potential engine options for the future jet.
Boeing has also begun drafting designs for the flight deck of the next-generation narrow-body aircraft and appointed a senior product executive with prior experience in aircraft development, according to the Journal.
The initiative is still in its infancy, and Ortberg has yet to provide public details. He has emphasized that Boeing’s immediate focus remains on resolving quality issues, delivering its roughly 6,000-plane backlog, and shoring up the company’s financial position.
Developing a completely new “clean-sheet” airplane is expected to take more than ten years and require tens of billions of dollars in investment. Rolls-Royce has suggested an engine capable of increasing fuel efficiency by up to 20%, the report added.
Boeing has faced significant hurdles in recent years, including two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2019 that led to a fleet grounding and delayed variant launches. The company also abandoned plans for a midsize jet and continues to lag on the 777 upgrade program.
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