Spot on
Section28- BE, they produced the NG because the airlines wanted as little difference between the classic and the NG for crew and maintenance convenience as possible.
The FAA and other national authorities allowed them to do so, with very few changes, notably the one big change being the overwing exit changes demanded by the UK and EASA.
The MAX would never have been certified if it was a new type as it does not meet the latest requirements for certification, the same would be also for the NEO.
Maybe it is time to stop grandfather rights for aircraft that have major differences from the original type certificate.
Just a thought.
