Executives from Boeing and Airbus dampened speculation of imminent decisions to replace their best-selling narrowbody models, telling a major audience of investors that it would take time to achieve the required jump in performance.
The Wall Street Journal reported last Monday that Boeing was in the early stages of developing a 737 successor. But marketing chief Darren Hulst told the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading that a launch is 'some way off' while a senior Airbus executive said it would 'take a bit of time' to achieve the efficiency gains needed to attract the market.
The executives were speaking in separate responses to questions on stage during an ISTAT event in Prague on Monday.
The world's dominant planemakers have faced record demand for narrowbody models like the 737 and its European competitor, the A320 family. Both were developed decades ago but were refreshed with new engines in the middle of last decade.
BOEING 'NOT CLOSE TO LAUNCHING' NEW PLANE
The question of when they will launch the next phase of their epic rivalry by introducing an all-new design is one of the main dilemmas facing the aerospace industry, though most analysts agree a launch is unlikely before later this decade.
Earlier this year, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg met Rolls-Royce to discuss a new engine, according to the WSJ report.
'We are never not looking at new technology but we are also not close to launching a new airplane,' Hulst, Boeing's vice president for commercial marketing, told the ISTAT conference.
An aircraft launch is the stage at which a manufacturer begins development of a specific product and seeks new buyers.
In a note to staff last week, Boeing reiterated any new plane would depend on the market, technology and the company itself being ready, FlightGlobal reported.
Boeing is saddled with some $50 billion of debt following a safety crisis involving its best-selling 737 MAX model.
It meanwhile has four projects awaiting certification: two variants of the MAX and the larger 777-9 passenger jet as well as its sister freight model, collectively known as the 777X.
Based on this, 11th Annual Aeronautical Materials and Manufacturing Technology Forum 2025 is scheduled to take place on December 4-5. The forum will focus on the theme of “Digital Intelligence Empowerment: Technological Upgrades for the Entire Lifecycle of Aeronautical Materials,” delving into innovative breakthroughs in new materials and processes enabled by digital intelligence technology. Discussions will center on key industry topics such as digital intelligence empowerment across the entire lifecycle, green and low-carbon manufacturing, aeronautical materials iteration, and aircraft structural weight reduction. The forum will align with market demands, explore future industry directions, and unite various stakeholders to collectively contribute ideas and efforts toward the green and intelligent upgrading of China's aeronautical materials manufacturing across the entire lifecycle!