Boeing to Make 737 Re-Engining Decision this Year

Boeing intends to reveal its decision on re-engining the 737 aircraft in 2010, according to the firm's CEO James McNerney.

McNerney said the decision depends on how big the available productivity and performance leap is throughout re-engining for its customers, according to Flightglobal.

"If you try to force a re-engining and it doesn't provide enough productivity or performance for your customers, all it does is suck orders out of your current airplane, and yet if it does provide a big enough leap, it will be worth it," McNerney said.

Boeing plans to expand its offering on the 737 from its CFM56-7B engine to an option from Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce in a combined offering by International Aero Engines.

The re-engining is expected to generate a 12%-15% productivity. Boeing is considering the option to beat competition from Airbus who also plans to re-engine its A320 and the new Chinese C919, which is currently under development.