How and why Boeing re-engined the 737 to create the Max

Circumstances preceding Boeing’s 2011 launch of the 737 Max programme share similarities with the situation the company now finds itself in.

Today, and for several years, Boeing has been tossing around the idea of developing a new jet – reportedly a 757-sized aircraft for the so-called mid-market. 

However, today’s market environment – and Boeing – differ significantly from when the company was considering the 737 Max a decade ago. The airframer now faces the concurrent challenges of recovering from the Max grounding and the pandemic.

Ten years ago Boeing was deep in consideration of a new narrowbody aircraft. Choices were either a 737 replacement – a pricey proposition – or another update of the long-running narrowbody.