New narrow-body aircraft planned amid safety overhaul

Anadolu Agency

U.S.-based aviation company Boeing is preparing to produce a new narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft to replace its 737 Max model, sources report.

The project is still in early development and awaits Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has appointed a senior product chief to oversee the development of the 737 Max successor. Earlier this year, Ortberg met Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilic in the UK to discuss potential engine supply for the new aircraft.

The firm says the new model will aim for a minimum 15% improvement in fuel efficiency, featuring a lighter design, new engine architecture, and significant fuselage changes. The project is expected to cost tens of billions of dollars.

Boeing is seeking to regain market share lost to European competitors such as Airbus, following fatal 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that claimed 346 lives and led to a global grounding of the fleet. A similar incident involving the 737-800 occurred in South Korea in December 2024, marking the country’s deadliest aviation disaster.

The company has since overhauled senior management and addressed safety protocols. Boeing says it is currently focused on delivering and certifying around 6,000 backlogged aircraft while preparing for the introduction of the new model.

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