Boeing mulls replacing iconic 737 with wide body model
12 Dec 2007
The Boeing Co is considering a replacement for its industry classic 737 commercial aircraft, according to The Financial Times.
Scott Carson, the head of Boeing's commercial aircraft division, told the newspaper that it could launch a programme to replace the venerable single-aisle aircraft within the next 18 months, for an entry into service of a new model by 2015.
Boeing began manufacturing the 110-215-seat aircraft 40 years ago and has since sold more than 6,000.
However, Carson also cautioned that Boeing was also mulling development of another wide-body aircraft by 2012, for possible entry into service by 2020. According to Carson, market conditions would dictate which model the manufacturer opted for in its next aircraft programme.
Boeing's 737 competes against rival Airbus' equally popular short-to-medium range A320 aircraft, of which more than 5,500 have been ordered since 1988.
