Boeing’s Return to Its Roots: Rumours of the 797 Midsize Airliner

Boeing is making headlines as it hints at returning to its foundational roots in Washington State with its next aircraft project, rumoured to be the Boeing 797. Though the company has yet to officially confirm the aircraft’s development, the announcement has sparked significant interest within the aviation industry. The new midsize airliner is expected to serve as a replacement for the ageing 757 and 767 models, with Boeing aiming to reclaim market share in the midsized aircraft sector from its European competitor, Airbus.

The confirmation of Washington State as the build site for Boeing’s next aircraft also comes alongside news of a new contract proposal for the company’s workforce. The proposal, described by union leaders as the best deal they’ve ever negotiated, is intended to secure Boeing’s future production capabilities and bring job security to workers in the region.

A New Midsize Aircraft to Compete with Airbus

The rumoured Boeing 797 is expected to be a midsize aircraft, seating between 200 and 250 passengers, and would fill the gap between the narrowbody 737 and the widebody 787. This “Middle of the Market” (MoM) segment has become a critical battleground for aircraft manufacturers. Boeing hopes that the 797 will not only replace its older 757 and 767 models but also challenge Airbus’s highly successful A321neo and A330 aircraft, which have dominated the midsize market in recent years.

Airlines have increasingly favoured Airbus’s A321neo due to its fuel efficiency, range, and lower operating costs. With the 797, Boeing is looking to provide an aircraft that meets the same market demands but with improved features and design. Boeing’s Chief Commercial Officer, Stephanie Pope, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Boeing’s roots are here in Washington – it’s where generations of workers have built incredible airplanes.” Her comments indicate that Boeing is keen to leverage its longstanding expertise in aircraft manufacturing to develop a competitive new offering in the midsize sector.

Boeing’s Legacy in Washington State

The decision to build the new aircraft in Washington State is a strategic nod to Boeing’s deep history in the region. Washington has been the spiritual home of Boeing since the company’s inception in 1916. It is where iconic aircraft such as the 707, 747, and 777 were developed and built, establishing Boeing as a world leader in commercial aviation.

Boeing’s presence in Washington State has long been a point of pride for the company and its workforce. The region is home to highly skilled aerospace workers, many of whom have been with the company for generations. By choosing Washington State as the production site for its next aircraft, Boeing is not only reinforcing its commitment to its roots but also securing the future of thousands of jobs in the area.

This move is particularly significant following Boeing’s decision to shift some production operations, including the 787 Dreamliner, to other locations like South Carolina in recent years. The decision to build the new aircraft in Washington can be seen as an effort to rebuild and maintain the company’s strong ties with its workforce and the local community.

The New Contract: A Step Towards Job Security

Boeing’s announcement comes as the company has tabled a new contract proposal to its workers, which union representatives have called the best they’ve ever negotiated. The terms of the contract are designed to provide job security for Boeing’s workforce in Washington State by ensuring that they will play a central role in building the company’s next-generation aircraft.

The new contract comes after a period of turbulence for Boeing’s workforce, marked by layoffs, production issues, and strikes. Boeing’s 737 Max crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic both had significant impacts on the company’s operations, leading to job losses and a reduction in production capacity. The new contract aims to stabilise the workforce and bring back confidence, particularly as the company prepares to launch a new aircraft project.

Stephanie Pope emphasised the importance of the deal, noting that it would enable Washington workers to “build Boeing’s next airplane” while also providing a sense of security for their future employment. The significance of this contract cannot be understated, as it aligns with Boeing’s broader strategy of strengthening its workforce and manufacturing capabilities in its home region.

What We Know About the Boeing 797

While Boeing has yet to officially confirm the 797, speculation around the aircraft has been growing for some time. The 797 is widely expected to be a twin-aisle aircraft designed to operate on shorter to medium-haul routes, positioning it as a bridge between the smaller 737 and the larger 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft would likely target airlines that have previously operated Boeing’s 757 and 767 models, both of which are now considered outdated in terms of fuel efficiency and operational costs.

Boeing has faced pressure from airlines for several years to introduce a new aircraft that can compete with Airbus’s offerings in the midsize market. The Airbus A321neo, in particular, has been highly successful, offering airlines the range and capacity needed to service key routes without the need for a widebody aircraft. Airbus’s A330 has also proven popular as a midsize widebody option.

For Boeing, the introduction of the 797 would represent a critical step in regaining market share from Airbus. Boeing has been hesitant to enter the MoM market in recent years, instead focusing on its narrowbody 737 Max and widebody 787 programmes. However, with growing demand for an efficient midsize aircraft, it now seems that Boeing is ready to make its move.

Challenges and Opportunities

Boeing’s decision to develop the 797 comes with both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, the company faces the difficult task of designing an aircraft that can meet the evolving needs of airlines in terms of fuel efficiency, range, and capacity. Additionally, Boeing will need to regain the trust of both customers and regulators following the 737 Max crisis, which resulted in a lengthy grounding of the aircraft and damaged the company’s reputation.

On the other hand, the 797 presents Boeing with a significant opportunity to re-establish itself as a leader in the midsize market. By leveraging its engineering expertise and drawing on lessons learned from previous aircraft programmes, Boeing has the potential to develop a highly competitive product. The company also stands to benefit from the growing demand for more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly aircraft as airlines look to reduce their carbon footprints.

The Future of Boeing’s Midsize Aircraft

If Boeing does proceed with the 797, it would mark a major development in the aviation industry. The 797 could become the aircraft of choice for airlines operating key transatlantic and domestic routes, offering a more versatile and cost-effective alternative to both narrowbody and widebody aircraft.

The confirmation that the new aircraft will be built in Washington State is a positive signal for Boeing’s workforce and the local economy. It also reinforces Boeing’s commitment to maintaining its legacy as a company rooted in Washington, where it first made its mark in the world of aviation.

While much remains uncertain about the specifics of the 797, one thing is clear: Boeing is positioning itself to re-enter the midsize market with a product that could reshape the competitive landscape for years to come.