Boeing to delay 737RE decision?

The 737 continues to sell strongly while Boeing continues to contemplate re-engining or replacement. (Boeing)

Boeing’s vice president of sales and marketing Randy Tinseth has hinted that the company may push back a decision on a possible re-engining of the 737 Next Generation series from the northern autumn to next year after discussions with customers received mixed feedback.

“It’s a very dynamic situation… earlier this year we said we’ll make the decision this year, but we are going to take time, all the time for us to make the right decision,” Tinseth was quoted as saying in a report by Reuters, adding that the decision could be pushed back to 2011.

The report also noted that Boeing has been talking to various customers about its options with the 737, with feedback on a new generation engine offering being mated to the current airframe being largely mixed. It is understood that a number of customers are pushing Boeing to instead proceed with a new narrowbody design earlier than the mid-2020 timeframe currently being floated, rather than an expensive re-engining program.

Rival Airbus is expected to announce during the next month if it will proceed with its A320 NEO (new engine offering) program, which could see it offer the new Pratt & Whitney PW100G geared turbofan and CFM International LEAP-X engines on A320 Family aircraft.

Meanwhile, Air Lease Corporation has finalised its order for up to 60 737-800s first announced at the Farnborough Airshow in July.