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By Scott Hamilton

Introduction

Aug. 2, 2021, © Leeham News: Boeing last week reiterated it believes the 777-9 will be certified and delivered in late 2023. CEO David Calhoun also said, “I'm confident that might be the next of our programs.”

Let’s set aside for the moment whether the EIS prediction becomes reality and assume Boeing will be correct. Let’s assume the 777-XF will be the next program launched. The larger question then becomes, what does this mean for the Next Boeing Airplane (NBA)? And what are the implications for Airbus?

Summary

• The NBA launch seems unlikely in 2022; 2023 may be the target.
• But with the 777-XF moving up in priorities, will the NBA continue to slide to the right?
• What is the Airbus response to an NBA?
• Or, should Airbus move first to further preempt the NBA?