Boeing’s 797 Dream Is Dead? Did Airbus Win

In the late 2010s, Boeing was studying the potential release of a new middle-of-the-market airliner many called the 797.

The Boeing NMA was expected to replace the 757 and compete with Airbus’ existing and evolving A321 family.

Understanding The Boeing NMA

The middle of the market segment typically includes aircraft with capacities between 150 and 250 passengers and can efficiently cover medium-range routes.

It’s a significant market, and during the 2010s, analysts predicted demand for 4,000 units over future decades. So there was no doubt a healthy market for manufacturers willing to dip their toes in.

The Boeing NMA was intended to replace the aging Boeing 757 and compete with the popular Airbus A321neo series. This Airbus program has gained a strong foothold in this segment thanks to Boeing’s lack of competition.

With Boeing lacking replacements for a handful of ageing types, this NMA was what customers had hoped for. While some carriers waited, others couldn’t be as patient and had already switched to Airbus or moved to another Boeing program.

Potential Variants And Specifications

Industry sources and analysts outlined potential specifications for the NMA. However, it’s crucial to understand Boeing never confirmed this.

Specifics about a program that was ultimately unconfirmed, or only discussed by the manufacturer, created a lot of uncertainty.

However, some reports identified variants labelled as the -6 and -7 as options. These variants could have carried 200 passengers in a two-class configuration. Additionally, it would’ve been able to fly 4,500 nautical miles at its lowest point and upwards for the larger variant.

Ultimately, range would depend on the aircraft’s configuration and variant, with the -7 slated to have higher overall seat capacity.

Why Is There A Need For An NMA?

One of the biggest areas of focus when discussing an NMA is market demand. The middle of the market segment was underserved for some period.

Airlines worldwide sought more efficient ways to fly in this segment. They wanted plane makers to use technological advances to provide an efficient, environmentally friendly solution to replace ageing types and support fleet growth plans.

Competition from Airbus also remained a persistent focal point for why many believed Boeing needed to begin progressing with the NMA.

Look no further than the Airbus A321neo series, particularly the A321XLR, which, since its 2019 launch announcement, has gained significant market popularity. Airbus’ XLR offers airlines a versatile, efficient option for routes previously operated by the 757, while also enabling further capabilities.

There was a general belief that Boeing needed to respond to the A321XLR and other Airbus derivatives to maintain market share in the sector.

Other compelling reasons included the desire to keep innovating, offer new products, and better bridge the gap between the MAX and 787 offerings. However, Boeing would eventually not proceed with the NMA.

Why Didn’t Boeing Release An NMA?

Boeing chose to prioritise developing new, advanced technologies that would be available in the 2030s. The company believed it could build a more revolutionary, competitive aircraft by delaying the NMA project and focusing on next-generation technologies.

It’s risky as it relies on technology that may not be ready in the 2030s, while Airbus remains unrivalled in the segment. However, if timed correctly, it could be a wait that pays off, with their next plane truly revolutionary and allowing Boeing to reclaim the number-one manufacturer spot.

In the late 2010s, as discussion over an NMA intensified, Boeing began experiencing significant trouble with its MAX program.

The 737 MAX is Boeing’s best seller and arguably their most important program. Because of these significant issues, the company focused on this area.

However, shortly after, Boeing faced 787 quality assurance issues that grounded the plane at some companies, delayed production, and suspended deliveries.

In 2020, the global pandemic arrived, too. It brought several frustrations, including 777X certification delays that forced Boeing to refocus and shift its strategy to prioritise existing plane models.

Is Waiting Truly A Good Idea?

Boeing’s choice to focus on future technology may offer long-term benefits, as it positions the company to leapfrog competitors with a more advanced product.

However, it also leaves the middle of the market segment unaddressed for an extended period. This could last over a decade, allowing Airbus to maintain a stronghold in this market segment. During this period,

Airbus could offer customers a reason to switch from Boeing to its aircraft. Over the decade, without a Boeing alternative, Airbus would have time to grow its customer base.

As a result, the next time a customer places an order in the segment, Boeing will offer its newest technology. In contrast, Airbus offers a substantial upgrade, and Airbus may have the upper hand thanks to an established, growing relationship.

Boeing’s strategy will depend on its ability to bring game-changing technologies to market and return to what we know and love: innovation and the desire to bring an A game to every product. Time will tell, but there are no plans for an NMA release soon.