Boeing 757 replaced by Airbus?

Airbus has begun offering airlines a long-range version of the A321neo, aimed at replacing the Boeing 757 the ubiquitous, and well out of production, single aisle mid haul jet.

"The long-range version of the A321neo will be the ideal 757 replacement with transatlantic range, 25% lower fuel burn and true long-range comfort," says Airbus, acknowledging the success of what was really a twin-engined development of the Boeing 707 and now more and more used as a scheduled freighter.

The new jet would fill a gap in the product line for a single-aisle plane that can fly farther than Boeing's 737 or the Airbus A320, a niche long seen as one that Boeing might also seek to fill.

Airbus said that the A321neo would seat about 164 passengers, similar to the 757s capacity of 169 in this role, but with latest 18-inch-wide seats and room for lie-flat beds in Business Class.

Airbus foresees the jet entering service in 2019.

"We are actively discussing this A321neo development with customers," Airbus said. "The increased 97-tonne maximum take-off weight and additional fuel capacity will give the A321neo a significant range increase overtaking the 757 currently operating on the transatlantic."  www.airbus.com

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