From Leeham News and Comment
Boeing
is quietly studying how to improve the 737 Next Generation, according
to sources quizzed for a report in the December/ January issue of
Aviation and the Environment, who all have knowledge on some level of
the Boeing studies.
Among
the possibilities being explored is the placement of a scaled-up
version of a Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engine on the
aircraft. This would necessitate a massive structural change of the
737, with the introduction of a new wing, taller landing gear and a
redesigned wingbox.
Additionally,
a new avionics system seems likely, in which RNP would come as
standard. A range of internal systems improvements are being
considered, which would make building and maintaining the aircraft
easier.
The
combined fuel burn improvement of these measures could be as much as
ten per cent - potentially making it very attractive to airlines as a
“bridge” aircraft…
http://leehamnews.wordpress.com/
Is it really worth going to all the expense of a "massive structural change?
It's time for a new Boeing single aisle. The 737 is too narrow for comfort. It's also too noisy.