Originally Posted By: fdcg27
Sure, but if you gave the 757 new wings and a new tail as Boeing did with the 737NG and gave it more modern engines as Airbus has done with the NEO and Boeing with the MAX, the 757 could end up as a very compelling package.
The 757 would still have higher structural weight, since the useful load and excess thrust that allows it to fly missions the A321 and 739 can't would require higher OEW.
The question is not whether a 757NG would sell, the question is whether there'd be enough sales to justify the investment.
Boeing apparently thinks not, or the program would already be up and running.
The 757, like the MD twins, will fly until the aircraft are timed out or cycled out.
There will be no direct replacement.
The 757 will be remembered by its flight crews as fondly as the 727 is.
Well...sadly, I agree with you.
The 757 is a great airplane, but there aren't a lot of companies that need a 180 passenger single aisle with long range. We use our 757-200s for Europe and our 757-300s for Hawaii and high-density routes (like EWR-MCO).
Even our network guys know the performance limits of the 737-900 in comparison with the 757. The -900 routinely goes to Hawaii from LA with 40 empty seats due to weight restrictions imposed by its takeoff performance, but even in that ridiculous situation, it's cost-competitive and burns less gas.
That fuel burn difference doesn't have the impact with today's oil prices, but it will make a difference when prices go back up (and they will).
Still, replacing the 757 with a 737-900 feels a lot like getting rid of an older LS400 with a V-8 and buying a new Corolla. Makes perfect economic sense...but it sure feels wrong...and you'll notice the dramatic drop in performance.
Except that the 737 isn't a new Corolla...it's a 1964 design with lots of modifications...so, it's more like getting rid of your 1984 Mercedes in favor of a heavily modified 1964 Falcon...sure, it's got Bluetooth, and new leather seats, and a new engine...but you just can't hide the 1964 economy car chassis on which it's built...