Wait... Didn't They Already Have One Of Those?

When it comes to narrowbody (single-aisle) airliners, there is little doubt Boeing's 737 has reigned supreme for nearly 40 years... with over 6,000 planes sold. But while the plane has seen continuous updates over the years... that's a long time for one airframe design, no matter how successful it may be.

In fact, the 737 has proven to be so successful that it may take two new planes to fill its shoes.

Randy Baseler, vice-president of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, told Reuters that Boeing is looking at a smaller 100-seat plane to compete with large regional jets, such as Embraer's E175 and E190. A larger version of the new plane would replace today's 110-to-200-seat 737 family, perhaps offering as many as 220 seats.

For now, Boeing is only exploring its options when it comes to replacing the 737. A final decision is nearly two years off, and it's not as if Boeing is hurting for 737 orders (although Airbus's A320 family -- a relative new basic design, at just 20 years of age -- is gaining ground on the 737's sales crown, with over 4,200 frames sold.)

Baseler says Boeing is also mulling over its possible plan to compete in the regional jet market -- a segment currently dominated by Brazil's Embraer, and Canadian planemaker Bombardier. After all, Boeing has already been there, with the 717 -- Boeing's renamed, final variant of the airliner that started life as the Douglas DC-9.

"It could end up being it doesn't make any sense for us being in the 90 or 100-seat market," Baseler said. As Aero-News reported, Boeing axed the 717 earlier this year. 

One of the reasons Boeing stopped production on the 100-seat 717, is the plane was seen as taking customers away from the 737.

FMI: www.boeing.com