Boeing is considering a new aircraft program to the middle of the market – L’Express

This concept called “ Middle of Market ” is the middle of passenger air transport segment.

In charge of programs at Boeing, Mike Delaney felt upstream of the air show that the question was not whether “ if ” Boeing would initiate such a program but “ when ” the aircraft manufacturer which this year celebrates its centenary, would.

For the competition the two giants indulge, Airbus has scored points by developing a version for long range of its medium-haul A321neo a Long Range able to carry 200 passengers over a distance of 4,000 nautical miles (nm) or 7400 km.

This equipment has taken a unique position in the market, hitherto occupied by the Boeing 757. But the latter, an old generation aircraft 200 seats, is not able to compete with existing devices in terms of performance.

The A321neo RS, which will enter service in 2019, represents an attractive offer for the airlines with reduced fuel consumption by 30% and operating costs per passenger 25% lower . A little over a thousand 757 was put into service until Boeing will end its production.

The MoM would be a device from 200 to 260 seats, able to perform about 5,000 nautical miles links (over 9,000 km) or 10 flight hours, according to the elements appearing in the press specialized.

It would be between the largest of the medium-haul Boeing 737 Max, and the smallest of its long-haul, the 787-8, with operating costs lower than last .

“ Customer demand shows that the single-aisle segment, the 737 Max 8 is central to the market with about 180 seats. At the other end of the middle market, we have the 787-8 , “said Dennis Muilenburg, CEO of Boeing, the Aviation Week magazine on the eve of Farnborough.

– a potential market of aircraft 4-5000 –

“ This market can grow it ‘Possibly It’s part of the discussion we have with. our customers – a device with transcontinental abilities “in the vicinity of 5,000 nm (9,260 km), he went on to add that the questions relate to the potential size of this market and the relevance of the economic model such aircraft.

According to him, such a device could enter service in 2024-25 years, with development in the wake of the 777-X, the next long-haul American manufacturer, expected 2017.

the MoM could also benefit from the latest technologies developed by Boeing on the 787, composite materials and architecture that relies heavily on electric power, but also the 737 Max and the 777- X.

For now, no decision is taken and the official position is that the manufacturer thought again. After recording significant additional costs on the 787 program, Boeing plays prudence leading to the end the discussion with customers.

Still, the market for such a device would be 4-5000 aircraft, according to Mike Delaney.

Frantz Yvelin, head of The Company, which operates 757 fully configured business class on direct Paris-New York-London and New York, such a device would open new lines from Europe to major cities in the US or Asia.

The single-aisle have lower operating costs long-haul, and over such distances, it would perform in premium or entirely economic, direct connections hitherto hardly profitable with long-haul, avoiding hubs.

Meanwhile, Boeing is exploring another option with an inflated version of its 737 Max 9, which is limited to 204 passengers. The 737 Max 10 the Airbus commercial director John Leahy called “ Mad Max “, would complement the top of its range on the single-aisle segment.