Originally Posted by
The Lev
Are they "so confident" or resource constrained (financial and engineering)? Companies can only take on so many projects at one time. Right now they need to get the kinks out of the 787 and 747-8. They have decided (probably correctly) that getting a new 737 to market is more critical to them than further updating the 777.
Once the 787-9 is certified, I think they'll turn to updating the 777 lineup.
The A350 is overweight and under-powered (i.e., the engines dont have enough thrust). Airbus has some huge hurdles to clear to get it on spec. IMO, Boeing doesnt believe they will clear those hurdles, therefore, No urgency to make the 777 better until A350 delivers close to spec.
After 787, I think all focus will be on 737NG (maybe 797?) for the next few years at least