Pratt & Whitney CEO Skeptical 737 MAX Will Compete With A320neo

Boeing has attracted a new critic of its plan to re-engine the existing 737 product line for increased efficiency. Some analysts say the move will buy Boeing 15 years before it needs to develop an all-new 737 airframe. But David Hess, CEO of engine-maker Pratt & Whitney, warns Boeing not to bet on that.

Pratt & Whitney makes the new PurePower Geared Turbofan engine which is one of the choices on the Airbus A320neo, a re-engined single-aisle plane which has been selling briskly, pressuring Boeing to bring its airline customers something more efficient right away. The other engine supplier for the A320neo, CFM, is Boeing's exclusive supplier for the re-engined 737 which will use an engine called the LEAP-X.

Reuters reports that Hess predicts Boeing will find the LEAP-X, which on the 737 will be limited to a fan size of 66-to-68 inches, will fall short of the efficiency delivered by his company's PurePower engine, which has an 81-inch fan. The current 737 design poses tight limits on engine diameter due to ground clearance issues beneath its wing.

Regarding the predictions of a 15-year time frame for an all-new 737 airframe, Hess commented, "Boeing responded to pressure ... and if they feel they don't have a competitive airplane against the A320neo, they may be forced to accelerate or look at their plans..."

Hess tell Reuters Pratt & Whitney now has a total of 1,600 orders, including options, for the PurePower engine.

FMI: www.pratt-whitney.com/products/commercial/purepower-pw1000g.asp