The upgrade approval for the bestselling 737 plane, with better fuel efficiency engines is awaited on the August 29. Boeing boards scheduled meeting is on Aug. 28 and 29 in Chicago, the corporate headquarters.
At the meeting the board will consider the management’s decision last month to offer new engines on the 737 rather than wait to develop an all-new single-aisle plane that wouldn’t be ready until the end of the decade.
The redesigned aircraft would officially be launched this fall and enter service mid-decade. But as of now customers are lining up for the upgrade. The 737 upgrade makes up half of the 200-jet order won from American Airlines (AA) in late July.
The Fort Worth, Texas- based carrier split its purchase of 460 aircraft between Boeing and Airbus. That broke AA’s exclusive arrangement with Boeing since 1987, compelling the plane maker to shift from its stated preference for an all-new jet. Boeing beat Airbus this week for an order for 100 737-900ERs from Delta Air Lines Inc.
It may be noted that on Sept. 9 Ray Conner will step into the shoes of the Senior Vice President of sales and customer support for the commercial plane segment. Conner is a former Vice President of sales for the commercial division.
