French newsletter AeroDefenseNews this morning reported that the Boeing middle of the market aircraft launch (“7M7”) could take place as early as the Dubai Airshow (November 12-16), possibly with Emirates as the launch customer.
The 797 (we assume) will fit in the MoM segment, carrying between 220 and 270 passengers on medium-haul routes. While there is some level of news suggesting that there is a definite level of activity at Boeing in this space, it would be premature to support this theory at this juncture.
For some time now Sir Tim Clark has been concerned about the development of low-cost long-haul competition. He feels the Emirates fleet is no longer flexible enough to meet market developments. It requires a smaller aircraft to operate on certain routes, such as Africa and Europe. For example markets like northeast Africa where Emirates faces off with Ethiopian which offers more frequencies using their 787s. This situation also occurs in India and China.
The Boeing 797 would be a twin-aisle, sized between the 737 MAX10 and the 787-8. It appears the aircraft is planned for EIS in 2024, according to our colleagues at AIR (AirInsight Research). Crucially the 797 will replace the now much missed 757 capabilities. Currently, Airbus has been cleaning up with its A321neo. The Dubai show is rather early in the “7M7” launch window, and Emirates could indeed be interested in the aircraft but the reality may be different altogether. Questions remain about range, size, and engine technology.
One thing is certain, Boeing is listening to the market and is getting nearer to finalizing a solution that can effectively respond to Airbus’ success in that space.
