Boeing Will Build the 797, New Midsize Aircraft in Washington

SEATTLE- Boeing has confirmed that its upcoming Boeing 797, a new midsize aircraft could be produced in northwest Washington, with labor union representatives due to vote on what the company describes as a “historic contract offer” in the coming days.

737 Max; Renton Factory; 1st 737 Max on line; Aerial View from Front; K66444-03 | Photo: Boeing

Boeing 797 to be Built in Washinton

“Boeing’s roots are here in Washington – it’s where generations of workers have built incredible airplanes,” said Stephanie Pope, Boeing’s Chief Commercial Officer.

She confirmed that the new contract will enable the team in the Puget Sound region to “build Boeing’s next airplane,” promising this would bring “job security for generations to come.”

The as-yet-unconfirmed 797 new midsize aircraft (NMA) has been lauded as a replacement for Boeing’s twin-engine, single-aisle 757 (with a capacity of 200 to 295 passengers) and the twin-aisle 767 (able to seat 199 to 261).

With demand for a middle-of-the-market aircraft rising as airlines look to continue increasing their capacity, the new twin-aisle design could compete against the Airbus A320 and A330 family aircraft. Especially with the Airbus A321XLR, which is expected to offer the highest range ever offered by narrowbody aircraft.

Photo: Boeing

Historic Labor Contract

Boeing has proposed a historic contract offer to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751 in Washington state.

The proposed contract includes the largest-ever general wage increase of 25% for all employees over the life of the contract, with an 11% rise from day one.

“After 16 years, we finally got back to the bargaining table,” stated IAM District 751. With the existing contract set to expire imminently, a vote on the new proposal will take place on September 12. The Union Bargain Committee is recommending that members accept the offer.

“We can honestly say that this proposal is the best contract we’ve negotiated in our history,” the union stated. Upon ratification of the agreement, members will also receive a one-time lump sum of $3,000.

The contract will provide lower medical cost shares, reduced mandatory overtime, additional paid parental leave, and greater company contributions toward retirement.

Over 66,000 Boeing employees, the largest percentage of the company’s global workforce, live and work in Washington state. The state is the exclusive home of the 737 MAX, 767, 777X, P-8, and KC-46A aircraft production.

The proposed contract, if accepted, would secure job security for generations of Boeing workers in Washington and enable the team to build the company’s next airplane, 797 new midsize aircraft (NMA).

Photo: Boeing Airplanes

737 MAX Failure or Success?

According to Boeing’s order book, the airline has received a whopping 8,000 unit orders for its 737 MAX family aircraft which includes 737-8 and -9, also yet to be certified 737-7 and -10.

Out of this Boeing has delivered 1,586 aircraft as of August 2024. With this, the airline has 4,741 unfulfilled orders which will be delivered to many operators across the globe.

The Boeing 737 MAX’s inaugural flight occurred on January 29, 2016, at Renton Municipal Airport, nearly 49 years after the original 737-100 made its maiden flight on April 9, 1967.

Since then the aircraft has seen a few ups and many downs with two crashes, a two-year grounding, FAA and DOJ criminal investigations, and temporary groundings following Alaska Airlines (AS) door blowout incident.

But yet by looking at its order book, the Boeing 737 MAX project is a big success. However, the question arises, as to whether Boeing will continue to deliver 737 MAX safely.

What are your thoughts on Boeing’s ambitious new midsize aircraft production? Let us know in the comments.

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