Boeing sees potential for over 1,000 jets in mid-market
Boeing Co (BA.N) is exploring a potential market of over 1,000 aircraft in a niche between its single-aisle 737 and wide-body 787, but has not decided whether to invest in a new jetliner, its sales chief said on June 14.
Airlines have told the planemaker they are interested in something about 20% bigger than its out-of-production 757 and able to fly further, putting it beyond the reach of the latest A321LR single-aisle offering from rival Airbus, he said.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the Paris Airshow, John Wojick, senior vice president for global sales and marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said airlines were looking for an jetliner able to seat about 240 people with greater comfort, but just as efficiently as the smaller 737 workhorse.
The last 757 was delivered in 2005, but remains popular with US airlines because of its range and performance, while its larger contemporary, the 767, is being replaced by the 787 Dreamliner.
Many 757s will soon come up for replacement.