Originally Posted by
UltraFan
With all the MAX troubles, one question is still bothering me. Why Boeing developed 737NG instead of a clean sheet design? It sure looks like THAT was the point where trouble started. MAX's development was a catch-up race with A320neo, and they had to act fast. But what happened in early 1990s?
They were in the black with 757 and 767. 747-400 was selling well. Initial 777 development was behind them. But still they opted to facelift a model that already was too old. A320 was already flying and selling, so they couldn't have missed it, and they should've realized it's a strong competitor. And they sure had all the ability to develop the electronics bells and whistles they incorporated into 777. It was the time before the disastrous merger with MD, so no influence from there. WHY did they opt to put crutches on 737 "Classic" instead of a fully new machine?
It was not that different compared to today. Boeing, having rested on their laurels, had missed the train and needed something asap to match the A320ceo which gained popularity with the airlines and proved more efficient, economical and modern than the 737 classic series.
Although doing well from a financial point of view, Boeing just did not have the time to come up with an entirely new design for the short/medium haul market. If they hadn‘t done the NG, they would have lost out big time in that market segment.
Back then there was word that the NG was a stop gap and the need to come up with a new design was very clear to Boeing.
But they got leapfrogged again by Airbus, who came up with the NEO ...