Boeing struggles in the midsize aircraft market

Boeing is facing challenges in the midsize aircraft market, which was once dominated by its Boeing 757. Currently, Boeing only has the 737, 787, and 777 in production, leaving a gap in midsize options. The Airbus A321XLR and A321LR are now popular in this segment, offering greater range and capacity compared to Boeing's offerings. The Boeing 757 was discontinued in 2004, and the aging 767 is no longer being ordered for passenger use. Although Boeing is trying to fill the gap with larger variants of the 737 and the smallest variant of the 787, the demand for these models has been modest. Boeing also proposed developing a new midsize aircraft, called the Boeing 797, but there has been no clear progress on this project. On the other hand, Airbus is successfully filling the midsize market with its A321 models. The A321XLR, for example, has a range of 4,700 nautical miles and can connect distant international cities. This has allowed Airbus to capture significant market share, while Boeing's midsize segment remains empty. Looking to the future, JetZero, a startup, is working on a new type of aircraft called a blended-wing-body (BWB). This design promises to be much more fuel-efficient than traditional planes, with potential savings of up to 50%. JetZero aims to have a demonstrator flying by 2027 and is attracting interest from major airlines and the U.S. Air Force. Boeing is at risk of falling behind if it does not act quickly. The company has been talking about the 797 for nearly a decade with no concrete plans yet. If JetZero's BWB enters the market as planned, it could revolutionize the industry just as SpaceX changed space travel. In summary, Boeing is losing ground in the midsize aircraft market. While the company has options in its lineup, the absence of a dedicated midsize aircraft and the competition from companies like Airbus and JetZero leave its future uncertain.