Boeing Denies Dropping Studies For 150-Seat 7J7

RENTON - Even though it is going ahead to upgrade its 737 jetliners, the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group has not dropped its studies for the earlier-planned, but never built, similar-sized 150-seat 7J7.

The Financial Times of London reported this week that the Japanese aircraft industry, a partner with Boeing in planning the 7J7, has suspended its 11-year-old agreement for such an airliner.

"We have not been notified of any such action by the Japanese aircraft industry," said Valerie Kusada-Smick, Boeing spokeswoman. She said Boeing and the Japanese each have about five people studying proposals for an airplane of that size.

Japan, meanwhile, is inviting foreign companies to help it develop an 80-seat "YSX" commercial aircraft.