For many months Boeing expressed a preference to introduce an all-new airplane in the narrowbody jet segment to replace its 737NG family by 2019. But sometimes market reality gets in the way of what one really wants, and Boeing ultimately settled on the most basic re-engining plan possible for the 737-700, -800 and -900. It called the new series the 737 MAX, and projected entry into service in 2017–possibly two years later than Airbus’s A320neo.
Boeing believes airlines will find the MAX family worth the wait, and as of September five separate customers had already signed “commitments” or letters of intent covering 496 airplanes. Of course, the order that ultimately convinced Boeing to announce an imminent program launch came from American Airlines, which committed to a firm order for 100 of the re-engined Boeing product. The U.S. carrier simultaneously opted for 130 A320neos, as if to remind Boeing that it had an alternative and would not wait for long-term 737 replacement plans to unfold.
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