Bombardier has already thrown its hat into the more-than-100-seats jetliner ring with its C Series design and Embraer is considering its response to perceived market requirements (see box). But industry leaders Airbus and Boeing have been markedly reticent to reveal more of their thinking on the characteristics needed in designs to replace their A320 and 737, respectively, in the 150-passenger class by the end of the next decade.
Airbus studies of a possible new 150-seater are being conducted under the title “new short range” (NSR). According to Christian Scherer, executive vice president and head of strategy and future programs, the European airframer is now considering airline requirements rather than a straight A320-replacement design. “There are [different] segments and we want to provide what the market wants, so we are looking at anything above 100 seats, up to medium-haul capacity of 240 to 250 seats where you run out of single-aisle options,” he explained.
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