Boeing reaffirms preference for all-new narrowbody

Boeing CEO Jim McNerney reaffirmed that while Boeing has not completed its analysis of the future of its narrowbody aircraft programme, it is leaning towards an all-new aircraft by the end of the decade (AINonline, 16-May-2011). Boeing believes the A320neo is aimed at Airbus' current customer case and defending its narrowbody sales against Bombardier's CSeries. Boeing also believes that part of Airbus' rationale behind the A320neo is to "close the value gap" to the B737NG family.