Boeing’s New CEO Wants a Fresh Start On New Mid-Market Airplane

Boeing’s new Chief Executive, Dave Calhoun, wants to reassess the design of the new mid-market airplane due to changes in the aviation industry, and increased attention on pilot-aircraft interactions.

The rollout of the new model, which seats 220-270 passengers, was close at hand, however, Boeing postponed its launch because it was preoccupied with the grounding of the 737 MAX after two fatal crashes.

Only a few days after stepping up as the new CEO, Dave Calhoun, noted changes in the competitive playground.

Calhoun also said that Boeing will primarily focus on current products, including the Max, as well as working on the company’s safety and engineering parts.

A representative of the aeroplane maker added that Calhoun had requested a new research on what kind of aircraft was necessary. Once the company settles for a particular aircraft, it usually takes about 6-7 years to introduce it to the market, but Boeing intends to do it faster thanks to the help of digital technology and new business models.

The meeting, which was expected to happen next week between Boeing and a major supplier, had been unexpectedly cancelled without scheduling a new date.

Calhoun added that the company now understands the focal point of the new plane must be the flight control system and the interaction between that system and the pilot – a point that’s defined by the 737 Max crashes.

The return of the MAX was delayed once again a few days ago, but Calhoun said he expected it to keep its place in the market once it returns, and remain there in the future.