What We Know About the Boeing 797: Boeing’s Potential New Aircraft

Source: Boeing

Speculation surrounding Boeing’s upcoming new midsize aircraft (NMA), widely rumoured to be the Boeing 797, has intensified following recent developments. The US aircraft giant has confirmed that this next-generation plane could be produced in northwest Washington. This news coincides with an important vote on a “historic contract offer,” set to be held in the coming days by labour union representatives.

Boeing Chief Commercial Officer Stephanie Pope confirmed the significance of the new contract, stating, “Boeing’s roots are here in Washington – it’s where generations of workers have built incredible airplanes.” She added that the agreement would provide job security for the Puget Sound region, promising that “Boeing’s next airplane” will be built by this team. This announcement offers a glimpse of what the 797 could mean not just for Boeing, but for Washington’s workforce and economy.

The 797 is expected to fill a critical gap in Boeing’s product line, potentially replacing both the 757 and 767 models. The twin-aisle, single-aisle hybrid is rumoured to seat between 200 and 295 passengers, positioning it as a direct competitor to Airbus’s A320 and A330 family. As airlines increasingly demand middle-of-the-market aircraft to boost capacity, the 797 could play a pivotal role in meeting those needs.

A key feature of Boeing’s proposed contract is a 25% general wage increase, the largest in the company’s history, with an 11% rise taking effect immediately upon acceptance. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 751, which has been negotiating with Boeing for the first time in 16 years, recommends its members vote in favour of the deal. The vote, set for 12 September, is poised to ratify what the union describes as the “best contract we’ve negotiated in our history.”

In addition to higher wages, the proposed contract includes a one-time lump sum of $3,000 for employees, lower medical cost shares, reduced mandatory overtime, extended parental leave, and enhanced retirement benefits. These provisions aim to secure the future of Boeing’s workforce while ensuring stability for the company’s ambitious plans.

The current Boeing 787 fleet around the world

Washington is home to over 66,000 Boeing employees, the largest concentration of its global workforce. The state currently houses 737 MAX, 767, 777X, P-8, and KC-46A aircraft production lines. With the possibility of the 797 joining that list, the region is set to remain at the forefront of Boeing’s manufacturing efforts for years to come.

As we await official confirmation of the 797’s production, all eyes will be on Washington, where the potential for Boeing’s next aircraft to take flight begins with this historic vote.