Boeing Prepares Groundwork for Next Commercial Aircraft Amid Ongoing Focus on Existing Programs

Boeing is laying the groundwork for its next commercial aircraft, despite being years away from formally launching a new single-aisle program.

The company has selected Sean Black to lead the development of its future production system, which will be critical in preparing for an all-new single-aisle aircraft. Black's background as former Spirit AeroSystems' chief technology officer and senior vice president of engineering makes his appointment notable.

Boeing's last major decision on a new single-aisle aircraft came in 2011, when it chose to re-engine the 737 rather than proceed with a clean-sheet design. The company will eventually face a different decision, as it is expected to develop a new aircraft to address the market currently served by the MAX and potentially compete further into the larger end of the single-aisle segment.

Preparing a new production system early could allow Boeing to make a break with its recent past. A clean-sheet aircraft provides an opportunity not only to introduce a new airframe and propulsion system, but also to reconsider how structures are designed, assembled, and moved through factories.