McNerney on 737: All Options ‘On the Table’
Boeing could both re-engine its 737 and build an entirely new airplane to replace the existing model, according to company CEO Jim McNerney.
Boeing continues to talk of increasing production of its current 737NG beyond 38 per month despite the early commercial success of the A320neo. (Photo: Gregory Polek)
Boeing continues to talk of increasing production of its current 737NG beyond 38 per month despite the early commercial success of the A320neo. (Photo: Gregory Polek)

Boeing could both re-engine its 737 and build an entirely new airplane to replace the existing model, according to company CEO Jim McNerney. The Boeing boss also gave the company until the end of the year to achieve “a sharper view” on its ultimate approach to a narrowbody re-engining/replacement, appearing to lessen the likelihood that it would announce any significant new developments related to its 737 line during this year’s Paris Air Show.

Nevertheless, McNerney stressed that the company hasn’t fundamentally changed its thinking since it last indicated that it would offer further “clarity” on its plans by the middle of this year. “I’m not trying to signal any change here,” said McNerney. “This is the year where we’ve got to harden up our plans to give our customers and our suppliers the direction they need, and this is all during 2011.”