Boeing has a plan and it’s the NMA 797. Airbus has a plane and it's the A-321NEO. Boeing would like to launch its 797 as an Airbus killer. In one fell swoop while announcing the 797 Boeing would like to stall both the A-321 and A-330NEO programs. Even though the 797 won't fly as far as the A-330NEO it doesn't have to because the purpose of its design is to land smack dab into the middle of where the market goes to and fro. That is to say, going from coast to coast linking millions.
Boeing has all the pieces of a 797 from its drawing board to the flight line. It even has an "engine to go". The engine is another story and that's why it asked for engine makers to turn-in its RFP proposals a few days ago within 48 hours of its engine proposal deadline. Boeing has an engine, the proposals are for second place offering. I suppose it’s a CFM/GE with a 45,000 to 50,000 thrust range that it has already tested and is ready for the next step within the next three years. That is to say, flying on a 747 wing. The following are the big checkboxes completed before Farnborough Air Show.
Ø Engine committed
Ø Design confirmed
Ø Customer Acceptance,
Ø New Technology constrained to Boeing's already proven technology
Ø Production constrained by Location, Location, Location.
Ø Realtors are celebrating at the local Hilton.
Ø The 797 has a range of 5,200 miles/240 seats or 4,500 miles/270 seats
Ø Everyone thinks of a Paris announcement with cream cheese on a crumpet
Ø Boeing is far removed from Paris as a pound is a pound the world around
Boeing's "job one" is to deflect Airbus at every turnstile. Waiting for a 2019 announcement at Paris keeps Airbus talking at the turnstile. Announcing during 2018 when the program is ready is the Boeing prize.
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