Boeing has announced a pause in the development of its X-66 aircraft. The decision comes amidst a period where the company is concentrating on increasing production rates and advancing other projects such as the 737 MAX 7, MAX 10, and the 777-9.
This pause represents a degree of uncertainty about the direction of Boeing's future aircraft offerings. As development of the NMA (New Midsize Airplane) was previously halted, the company now faces the challenge of defining the characteristics and features of its next generation of airplanes.
The current focus remains on existing projects, according to the company. "We’re at an interesting point in time where we don’t yet know what Boeing’s next generation of aircraft will even look like. The company’s NMA plans were shelved awhile back and these days, the company is focused on getting production rates back up while also working towards 737 MAX 7, MAX 10, and 777-9 entries into service."