Initial Estimates Are For Entry Into Service In 2025

Boeing is studying its next commercial jetliner, with a projected entry into service planned for 2025.

Speaking prior to the opening of the Paris Air Show, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales chief John Wojick said that the new airplane will serve the "middle market" segment, with capabilities matched to domestic and regional routes. The airplane, which would not be announced before 2019, would have a range of 4,500 to 5,000 miles and carry between 220 and 280 passengers, depending on the configuration.

The Seattle Times reports that Wojick said that the plane is not a replacement for the 757, which Boeing stopped producing in 2005. He said this airplane is "larger and flies farther" than the previous airliner. It would operate efficiently on domestic routes in the U.S. or China, and could fly regional routes in Southeast Asia and Europe. It would also be capable of connecting city pairs from the east coast of the U.S. and many destinations in Europe, he said.

Wojick said that it has not yet been determined if the airplane would be a single- or twin-aisle configuration, and it is studying the detailed configuration, as well as "what type of production system and materials need to be used." It is not known if it would be build in the Puget Sound region or in Boeing's South Carolina facility.

Wojick said that a year ago, the company was not convinced there would be a demand for such an airplane, but that Boeing has determined over the past year that the market was "larger than we thought."

Wojick said that the company has gotten input from airlines on the project, and that is all under review.

FMI: www.boeing.com