The Boeing 797 never became a production airplane. The name was widely used for Boeing’s proposed New Midsize Airplane (NMA), a concept the company rethought in 2020. Boeing has not announced a 797 in the public releases cited here, but those releases do not establish that it has permanently abandoned the idea of a future midsize jet.
What was the Boeing 797 supposed to be?
“Boeing 797” was a popular name for the company’s proposed New Midsize Airplane, or NMA. It was not evidence that Boeing had formally launched a model under that designation: the sources cited here do not announce a production 797.
Reuters reported in January 2020 that the NMA concept was being considered for 220–270 seats. That was a reported concept range, not a finalized specification for an airplane Boeing had committed to build. The proposal was intended to address a middle-market role between the company’s existing 737 single-aisle and 787 widebody families; the available reporting does not support firm specifications or a detailed aircraft comparison. Reuters reported the proposed range and project status in January 2020.
Why did Boeing rethink the NMA?
The launch decision had already been postponed as Boeing concentrated on the 737 MAX grounding after two fatal crashes, Reuters reported. The crisis put immediate demands on the company while it was weighing whether to proceed with a new airplane.
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In 2020, then-CEO David Calhoun directed a rethink of the concept. Aviation Week reported his description: “NMA project is going to be a new clean sheet of paper.” That signals a reset of the project’s direction, not proof that Boeing had formally canceled it. Aviation Week reported the 2020 rethink.
Did Boeing cancel the 797?
The careful answer is that Boeing rethought or shelved the NMA proposal, but the sources cited here do not establish a formal, permanent cancellation announcement. It is also inaccurate to describe the 797 as a delayed production airplane: it never reached production, and the concept’s proposed seat range was not a final specification.
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Boeing’s second-quarter 2026 results discuss work on the 737, 787 and 777X programs, while an FAA release from July 2026 addresses certification processes for the 737 MAX and 787. Neither release announces a 797 or NMA program. Their silence is evidence only about what those particular public releases say; it cannot prove Boeing will never pursue another midsize aircraft. See Boeing’s second-quarter 2026 results and the FAA’s July 2026 release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was the Boeing 797 ever built?
No. There is no production Boeing 797 in the sources cited here. The name referred to a proposal, not a delivered aircraft family, so there are no 797 versions, airline service history or production specifications to compare.
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