Is A Re-engined Boeing 767 The Real 797?

For a few years now, we’ve heard from Boeing that a NMA (or New Midsized Aircraft) is in the works. While Boeing has yet to officially name the jet, many have dubbed it the Boeing 797, following Boeing’s numerical designation for aircraft. At the major airshows, Boeing touts progress in the design, drops a few rumors about the NMA, says many airlines are interested, and then stone-cold silence follows. Recently, a new rumor has popped up. Flight Global recently reported that Boeing is looking at an engine upgrade for the Boeing 767 as an option for the NMA. Here’s why we think this option might be more likely than not.

Boeing NMA 2018 rendering — An earliy rendering of the Boeing NMA Aircraft from 2018. (Boeing)

Boeing 767: A Resilient Design

The Boeing 767 first flew in 1981. It is design that is approaching 40 years old. Yet the design has been remarkably resilient over the years. The original intent of Boeing’s 787 was to replace the larger 767 fleet. To an extent, this is happening. American Airlines is set to retire their 767 fleet by the end of 2020. They are replacing the jet with the 787-8, providing a better passenger experience with lower operating costs, and slightly increased capacity. Other airlines like Delta and United have upgraded their 767 fleet to include new business class experiences and fresh interiors.

Boeing 767 United 1980s — United Airlines Boeing 767-200; N613UA@JFK, July 1995. Photo by Aero_Icarus

While some airlines are slowly retiring their fleet, there are still a number of operators flying the jet worldwide. In fact, the last passenger 767 was delivered in 2016. Additionally, the aircraft is still in production with large backlogs for cargo operators UPS and FedEx. Boeing also has a large contract for 179 of the ‘frankentanker’, the KC-46 for the Air Force. (It’s called a ‘frankentanker’ because it has 767-200 fuselage combined with a 787-like cockpit, and wings from the 767-300 version). In short, Boeing currently has a backlog of over 100 orders that stretches well into the next decade at current production rates.

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 Arrives at Honolulu International Airport Photo: Avgeekery

Three reasons why A Re-engined Boeing 767 Makes Sense

With the technologically advanced 787 in Boeing’s portfolio, many wonder why a re-engined 767 would make much sense. The answer lies in the fact that an upgraded 767 represents a low-cost way for Boeing to provide enhanced economics without significant risk. We dig into three reasons why this option is pretty attractive for Boeing on the next page.

6 COMMENTS

Lindsey October 19, 2019 At 9:54 am
Loved the article!!
MARTINU October 19, 2019 At 10:54 am
Let’s call it “767MAX” and throw it right into the sea.. As stated, this is a 40 years old design. Slightly younger than the 737, on which the 737MAX is based. Don’t you think an “NMA” should have the “new” in it?
Mark October 19, 2019 At 12:33 pm
A 767X, using the latest generation engines (leveraging the effort to modify the GEnx engines for the 747-8), the 767-400ER wing and landing gear (to provide greater ground clearance), the 787 cockpit from the KC-46 tanker, and an appropriate fuselage length (likely the -300), along with aerodynamic improvements and material improvements (more composites, more use of aluminum lithium alloys) could offer an aircraft between the size of the Airbus A321neo XLR and the 787-8/A330-800 class aircraft, but considerably more range than the A321XLR’s ~4,000nm.
phil griesbach October 19, 2019 At 1:44 pm
could be…….
Chris October 21, 2019 At 5:42 am
I think that Boeing has such poor management, a toxic leadership culture, has lost their way, and pretty much lost its ability to innovate, this may be their only option. I loved the 767-300/400’s and would like to see some new engines, and some new winglets, along with all the goodies inside.
John October 24, 2019 At 1:10 pm
I think the board is going to be a little gun shy about a 767MAX. I also think that it’s exactly this kind of “it will save us a ton of money” thinking that got Boeing into the fix that it is in. They should focus on designing the most advanced, most efficient, highest quality, safest plane they can possibly build.