Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 Receives FAA Approval
    SEATTLE, March 16, 1998 - The second model of the Next-Generation
 737 family, the 737-800, has earned type certification from the U.S.
 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
    The certification formally recognizes that the 737-800 has passed
 all the rigorous testing requirements of both Boeing and the FAA,
 and is ready to enter passenger service with U.S. airlines. The cer-
 tification was awarded late Friday at Renton, Wash.
    "This is another proud day for Boeing and the Next-Generation 737
 Program," said Jack Gucker, vice president -- 737/757 Derivatives.
 "FAA certification of our second model in four months is further
 validation of our plan for simultaneous development of the family of
 the 737-700/ -800/ -600/ and -900 models."
     The 737-800 is capable of carrying 160 to 189 passengers and is
 19 feet longer than the 737-700. It is expected to receive validation
 from Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) by the end of March.
 Launch customer Hapag-Lloyd of Germany is scheduled to take delivery
 of the first 737-800 shortly thereafter. Continental will be the
 first U.S.-based airline to take delivery of the 737-800 later this
 year.
     More than 350 flight tests were completed before certification
 was awarded. Since the 737-800 began its flight test program in June
 1997, the three test airplanes have completed more than 760 flights,
 550 hours of ground testing and 740 hours of flight testing.
     The 128-to-149 seat 737-700 is the airplane that launched the
 Next-Generation program when Southwest Airlines ordered 63 in Novem-
 ber 1993. The first 737-700 was delivered to Southwest in December
 1997.
     The 108-to-132 seat 737-600 made its first flight in January
 1998. First delivery to SAS, or Scandinavian Airlines, is planned
 for third quarter 1998.
     The 737-900 is the largest member of the family, carrying 177
 to 189 passengers. The flight-test and certification schedule for
 the 737-900 program is being finalized. Alaska Airlines is scheduled
 to take delivery of the first 737-900 in 2001.
     The 737-600 and -900 will participate in separate flight-test
 and certification programs. When completed, the total Next-Generation
 737 flight-test program will have comprised 12 airplanes, including
 four 737-700s, three 737-800s, three 737-600s and two 737-900s. Upon
 conclusion, the flight-test program will have totaled more than
 4,100 in-flight test hours.
     In addition to commercial airplanes, Boeing also offers a busi-
 ness jet derived from the 737-700. With auxiliary fuel tanks, the
 business jet can fly up to 6,200 nautical miles. The business jet is
 sold and marketed through Boeing Business Jets, a joint venture
 formed in 1996 between The Boeing Company and General Electric Co.
 The first business jet is scheduled to roll out in mid-1998,
 followed by certification later in the year.
     The Next-Generation 737 airplane family is designed to fly high-
 er, farther, faster and quieter than previous 737 models. Changes
 from earlier models include a new and larger wing, higher cruise
 speed, greater range and new engines with improvements in noise,
 fuel burn, thrust and maintenance costs. In addition, the new
 engines benefit the environment through lower emissions.
     The Next-Generation 737 family continues to be the fastest-
 selling jetliner model in history. Since the program's launch, 39
 customers have placed orders for 840 Next-Generation 737s.
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                Boeing Delivers First Two 767 AWACS,
              Introduces Newest Member of AEW&C Family
     SEATTLE, March 11, 1998 -- Boeing today formally introduced the
 newest member of its airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) family,
 delivering the companys first two 767 Airborne Warning and Control
 System (AWACS) aircraft to the government of Japan in a ceremony at
 Boeing Field in Seattle.
     Boeing is under contract to build four 767 AWACS for Japan. The
 second two aircraft will be delivered in early 1999.
     "We are extremely pleased to take delivery of the first two
 E-767 AWACS," said Col. Kunio Orita, Japan Air Self Defense Force
 AWACS program manager. "The 767 platform gives us a system that will
 meet our defense requirements far into the next century."
     Prior to delivery, the two aircraft went through rigorous flight
 and mission system testing. In addition to the normal government
 qualification tests, the aircraft also went through the same FAA
 certification process as the company's commercial aircraft. Since
 testing began in August 1996, the two aircraft have logged a total
 of 194 flights and 798 flight hours.
     Alan Mulally, Boeing Information, Space & Defense Systems presi-
 dent, said the 767 AWACS programs success and delivery of the first
 two aircraft is a tribute to teamwork as well as international
 cooperation.
     "The teamwork between the Japan Air Self Defense Force, Japanese
 industry, the U.S. Air Force and Boeing made this day possible,"
 Mulally said. "We are pleased to support the cooperation of the gov-
 ernments of Japan and the United States."
    "The success of the 767 AWACS program is the result of commitment
 and dedication on the part of a team of professionals," said Col.
 Charles J. O'Connor, U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center 767
 AWACS program manager. "The 767 AWACS will provide Japan with a
 state-of-the-art command and control capability, and will be a
 symbol of peace and stability as it joins the worldwide fleet."
    AWACS, the world's standard for AEW&C systems, fills the need for
 both airborne surveillance and command and control functions for
 tactical and air defense forces. The 767 AWACS offers countries a
 defensive capability well beyond the range of current ground-based
 systems. Substantial growth capacity inherent in the 767 AWACS en-
 sures that the system can be readily adapted to meet future missions
 and requirements.
     There currently are 66 E-3 707 AWACS aircraft operating in the
 United States, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia and NATO.
 Production of the 707 airframe ended in 1991, with the 767 plat-
 form chosen as its replacement. ===
--- DB 1.39/004487
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