The Boeing 757X? Could Boeing Re Engine The Flying Pencil?

The 757 was a HUGE success for Boeing. Now, Airbus is starting to take the lead in this market with the Airbus A321LR+XLR, however, the A321XLR only really offers a partial solution. The 757 found a popular place in airline fleets with its short takeoff performance and medium-range capabilities. So as Boeing considers its next mid-size aircraft, would an update to the 757 be a good option?

The 757 has been a great success for Boeing with 1,050 aircraft built before production ended in 2004. Indeed, airlines are still struggling to replace it, with the A321XLR only offering a partial solution. So as Boeing considers its next mid-size aircraft, would an update to the 757 be a good option?

Boeing developed the 757 as a successor to the popular 727. This early tri-jet, which followed the 707, had done very well for Boeing, opening up new options for jets on shorter routes and at smaller airports.

Boeing originally proposed the 757 with two different-sized variants. The smaller 757-100 would offer a capacity of around 160, but this was dropped due to a lack of interest from airlines.

The first 757-200 entered service with Eastern Airlines on January 1st, 1983. The -200 was also developed into a freighter version, launched in 1987 with UPS. And the larger 757-300 entered service in 1999 with Europen airline Condor.

The 757-200 is especially popular with US airlines, with all of the major legacy airlines (American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines) operating it. American Airlines was the largest operator (with a fleet of 142 aircraft) but retired them in 2020 amidst pandemic-related fleet simplification. Delta Air Lines then became (and remains) the largest operator.

It has also been a popular choice in Europe. British Airways was one of the first airlines to take the 757-200 and operated a fleet of up to 54 aircraft until retirement in 2010. Icelandair remains a major operator today.

A re-launch of the 757 could prove to be an excellent move. If the range can be increased, the higher capacity and ability to operate at smaller airports could ensure solid sales.

Fast forward, after 757 production ended, Boeing was researching the possibility of a new mid-market aircraft dubbed the 'NMA', this got dropped. Dropping the NMA has left Boeing without an offering in the mid-size, long-range market. Previous 757 customers have struggled to find replacements, and it’s fair to say that Airbus has now moved ahead with the A321. The A321LR entered service in 2018, taking the range up to 7,400 kilometers (4,000 NM).

The A321XLR will go further with a range of up to 8,700 kilometers (4,700 NM). There are currently at least 450 orders. The largest orders are from American Airlines and United Airlines, with 50 aircraft each. Both airlines have been 757 fans, of course. Several airlines are seeing the A321XLR as a 757 replacement. It works for capacity and range but lacks the performance characteristics of the 757.

This leaves Boeing will several options for what to do next. Doing nothing seems unlikely as it would effectively hand the mid-size market over to Airbus.

Could the Boeing 757X, therefore, be a possibility?

Simple Flying:

[SimpleFlyingNews]

Would you like to see a Boeing 757X? Let us know below!

[mobilegamer]

Choosing to not redesign and continue the 757 was one of boeings biggest mistakes. Basically gave up on the market the plane was best suited for and let Airbus dominate it. Hopefully they bring it back

[CARBONHAWK]

Probably the most versatile aircraft Boeing ever built.

[marcusholmes]

757-200 is one of the best planes ever. Worked on them in my time at Delta and flown on many times. Rebirth on that variant makes sense.

[wozja]

Man I’ve watched a few what if videos about the 757… would be amazing to see a re engined version and production line !

[srowley]

It's one of my favorite aircraft types, so I'd love to see it upgraded. Modern engines would be the first thing to do, followed by upgrades to the wings and avionics. Given the number that are still used, I'm surprised that these upgrades haven't happened yet. The biggest downside to the 757 design is the turbulence they create for aircraft behind them on approach or takeoff. I don't know if this issue could also be addressed in an upgrade while maintaining the shorter takeoff and landing performance that is one of the standout features of the 757.

[aaflyer]

Not going to happen. All the manufacturers tooling has been destroyed including contractors. Most frames made have already been scrapped. Boeing dropped the ball and missed the opportunity to the A321XLR

[grriceman]

Love ❤️ flights on the 757! With Delta anyway, by entering at door #2 and having a lavatory soon after the first class cabin, it provides a somewhat more serene FC atmosphere. A frequent fliers dream.

[stoehrcov]

757 = muscle plane. Love that buzzsaw RB211.

[Hat]

Please keep the 757, I absolutely love it!

[lugovoiarena]

Modernised 757 could make a great machine!!!

[beachboy]

I think a revised 757 should have the following updates: 1. New engines 2. Replace flight control system with FBW control system used on the 787 3. Cockpit avionics similar to 787 4. Option for HUD 5. Same interior lighting as 787

[claudioavia]

A new fuselage - something between the -200 and -300; new engines like the 777-9, new wings, like the 747-8; new winglets, like 737max; reduced weight and new cabin design and new technology inside the cockpit. I think it would be so nice to see it flying! ✈

[jasonbabila]

I think Boeing should update the engines, flight deck and cabin on a great performance and well designed 757.

[ChrisZoomER]

Of course I want Boeing to upgrade the 757.

[lvckUK]

If it was still in production, there might be an upgrade path. But as it's been out of production for so long I can't see how it would happen.
If anything, a rewinged/engined 767 is more likely as they still make it for the military.

[anthonyglee]

I’d love it back. All the AV forums have discussed to death the possibility of restarting an upgraded 757. The consensus is Boeing disposed of the tooling to make the 757 wing and fuselage, etc. In conclusion, not likely to happen as we know and knew it. Sadly.

[natpriest]

my favourite plane is the 757 so hopefully they do

[sdj]

TheB757 was the most incredibly reliable aircraft ever. We flew them for twenty years and the maintenance snags were virtually none every year. Oil fuel and passengers that’s about all we ever changed.

[nauji]

I really love the 757, it would be great to see an updated aircraft (like update the avionics and all, maybe the controls) and most importantly switching to new efficient engines, that would still allow for great versatility along with long range capabilities