Boeing and its three Japanese partners, Mitsubishi, Kawasaki and Fuji, are continuing technology and market definition studies on the cancelled 7J7 project, with the aim of reviving the aircraft as an eventual replacement for the 737.

The 7J7 was originally intended to be a 150-seat, twin aisle aircraft, powered by unducted fans, and incorporating a range of advanced technologies from composite structural assemblies to fly-by-light control signalling.

The programme was cancelled three years ago, however, after Boeing concluded that the price of fuel would not justify a propfan-powered aircraft.

Boeing had signed a risk sharing agreement with the three Japanese companies to take a 25% stake of the 7J7...