They will become part of the already existing 737-7/8 categories. That's one of the major reasons we ordered this instead of the Airbus, and why the 757 production line has stopped. Put simply, there are already too many 737's flying around the world to not build more. The pilots, mechanics, parts and simulators are already in place, so the cost of adding a "new" aircraft to the fleet becomes far less. Additionally, if a crew is flying in a 737-800 to say, Pittsburgh, they can fly the 737-900 out in the morning (as opposed to a 757) instead of having to wait for an 800 to come in. Makes for shorter layovers and more productivity from the pilots.

As a pilot though, it's disappointing to see 50 year old technology and design being used on what could have been a clean sheet design that incorporates the many technological advances we've made in half a century... all due to economics. I can't think of another industry that has been at the cutting edge of science and is now so hamstrung by governmental and corporate budgets. Think about it- most higher end cars have far more advanced technology on board than do our current batch of airliners.

The only thing I can imagine that will put the 737 out of production is an enormous leap forward in aerodynamic design, such as a flying wing, or materials technology that makes producing a 737 clone uneconomical. Neither of these possibilities are on the horizon now, and the 737 MAX makes them that much more remote.

 

I think the real question is how long till the 7ER and 765 are one category?

 

Actually, the 777 and 765 are probably a simpler solution. I think the only noticeable difference is the lcd trim guage on the 777 vs the 767 style on the 765.

Of course, the oral would be very difficult: how many tires are on the 765 main gear, etc.

 

Correct.

The former CO 764's are dumbed down so it's closer to the 767. It really would make more sense to have it be a single category with the 777.

 

Good idea! That's what I did years ago.

The 737-700, 800, and 900 are all identical cockpits, thus will be flown by the same category. The pay is a tad more on the 900, though.

(I'll save my 737/Southwest hate for later. )

 

Shouda happened a long time ago. But I don't think many in the 765 category would be happy with the pay cut that a combined category would create, and the company is more than thrilled to have a huge international fleet flying around at essentially narrowbody rates. I figure if it was ever going to happen, it would have by now. I know they looked at combining it with the 777, but again, if they haven't done it by now...

 

You're probably right about that, if they wanted it then they would've done it by now given how long it's taken to kill the ATL 767 category.

 

Gary will be patiently waiting for you...

 

I edited also...

We are flying the ER's around the world for a few bucks more than a 737, and that's a deal the company wants to keep.

 

Sounds like a standard issue "No Trespassing" warning to me.