airliner

Boeing’s new airliner may be an upgraded version of mid-sized 757, which it ceased manufacturing almost a decade ago.

The jet, which was delivered between 1982 and 2005, was equipped with a powerful workhouse, and could fly on longer as well as shorter routes with two high-powered engines, reported The Wall Street Journal.

The one-aisle jet liner had a seating capacity of 180-239. Boeing does not have a replacement for the still-flying 757s.

Currently, 470 757 jets are in service with airlines including Delta Air Lines, United Parcel Service and United Continental Holdings.

"Currently, 470 757 jets are in service with airlines including Delta Air Lines, United Parcel Service and United Continental Holdings."

Although the Amercian company was able to outdo its rival Airbus in new jet deliveries and in large jetliner segments, it lost market share in the category of next-generation single-aisle jets.

In the next-generation single-aisle jets segment, Airbus orders exceed Boeing by approximately 1,000 airliners.

Developing an all-new airliner could increase costs by $15bn, and a realistic option would be to revive the 757 and equip it with new high-powered engines, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing industry experts.

Citing analysts, the publication added the new 737 version does not match the performance of the 757, or even Airbus jetliner A321LR in several aspects.

For instance, 737 is claimed to have a flying range of 3,595 nautical miles, but this is 505 miles less than A321LR, which can carry 206 passengers. No airline has currently made a commitment to purchase the A321LR. American Airlines Group, a 757 operator, has expressed its interest.

Image: British Airways RB211-powered 757 jet. Photo: Courtesy of Eduard Marmet / Wikipedia.