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Introduction

Aug. 30, 2018, © Leeham News: As time goes by, the Middle of the Market airplane appears to have become the Muddle of the Market.

Boeing can’t seem to close the business case on its Middle of the Market airplane, the New Midmarket Aircraft, or NMA.

And Airbus continues to stir the pot with talk of an A321XLR and the ever-present A321neo Plus.

Summary

• Boeing’s been talking about the MOM for six years—an extraordinarily long time.
• The aircraft evolved from a 757 replacement to a 767 replacement—something the 787 was billed to be.
• The business case remains unclear.
• The Airplane definition is still a matter of debate.
• The MOM was defined by Boeing as above the 737-9 and below the 787-8—but now there’s the 737-10 at the small end, for capacity, and renewed interest in the 787-8 at the upper end.
• Airbus is pushing the A321LR and nearing a decision whether to proceed with the A321XLR.
• Engine makers remain cool to the NMA.
• The supply chain is unenthused about the NMA because Boeing wants to capture the aftermarket and hold the intellectual property rights.
• The supply chain is in melt-down.

Other than this, everything is fine.