Boeing: 737 Family capable of serving 95% of routes that 757 can cover

Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP marketing Randy Tinseth, on his 'Randy's Journal' blog, stated (11-Dec-2014) there has "been a lot of talk lately about a replacement for the 757", while noting that the 737 Family, including MAX, is capable of serving 95% of routes that 757 can cover. He said: "The fact is, today's 737 and other airplanes its size already fly 90 percent of flights that used to be operated with a 757. And in the future, that number will jump to 95 percent thanks to airplanes like the 737 MAX." He continued: "For example, take Norwegian Airlines. They recently announced plans to use the 737 MAX 8 on transatlantic routes beginning in 2017. Other large 757 operators have publicly noted their continued discussions with Boeing around airplanes for transatlantic missions". On Airbus, Mr Tinseth said: "Meanwhile, Airbus claims its proposed long ranger version of the A321neo is a true 757 replacement. In reality, it falls short in two big ways. It can't match the 757's range, and it can't carry as many passengers", adding: "The 737 MAX 9 and the A321neoLR are both capable of North Atlantic range by adding auxiliary tanks, with the 737 MAX 9 flying the mission more efficiently. The A321neoLR needs three auxiliary tanks and increased takeoff weight- while the 737 MAX 9 could do the mission with just one auxiliary tank, allowing for more cargo space." On the 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9, Mr Tinseth said: "The 737 MAX is a great airplane that's sized right for the heart of the single-aisle market- along with the right range capabilities. It's a key part of our overall product development strategy, that along with the 777X and 787-10, is set for the next decade. As for that space in between the upper end of the 737 and the 787-8, we continue to talk with our customers to better understand their needs in the future." [more - original PR]