Originally Posted by
cadetdrivr
Yes, Sunvox, we've heard of the 737-9 Max considering UA has firm orders for 100.
Boeing: United Airlines 737 Max Customer Highlights
Too bad the 739-9 is a marketplace dud.
Airbus is outselling it with the A321Neo by 5:1. Take away UAL's large 737-9 order and it's 10:1.
Meanwhile, the 737-8 and A320Neo are much better matched in performance and sales.
Simply put, the 737 has been stretched beyond its envelope. It will be interesting too see if UA's order survives the current fleet review. Thus, I'm gonna suspect that Boeing will be quite aggressive in retaining UA's order as without it the whole -9 program is questionable.
My bet would be that since the -9 isn't really capable of replacing the 757, and the timing is better, that our -9 orders will be converted to the -10's. Boeing is just now working on the -10, and is pushing pretty hard. They are way late to the party. Since they are still working on specs, it's not a sure thing that is will have trans-Atlantic capability. Saying the -9 can to London, is a bit of a stretch. Yes, it could do London, but not with much in it.
Timing will be critical. 737-10's or 321neo's? It will greatly depend on the fleet review and when UAL wants to replace our remaining 757's.
Then again, when Boeing started the -9, it was going to be the last stretch. Now, the-10 is really going to be the last....it desperately needs a new wing.