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The 777-300ER by Boeing Co. will be the first major aircraft to receive airframe certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency, which officially took over from the Joint Aviation Authorities on September 28, 2003 as being the certification authority for Europe. The company reports the ultra long-haul aircraft is bettering fuel burn and takeoff field length performance predictions and is on schedule for its first delivery in April 2004. Boeing Co. has included a third aircraft to certify safety features of Air France's interior, such as aisle width and evacuation standards.

This article focuses on how Boeing Co.'s book of firm orders for new commercial aircraft continues to build. One of Central Europe's new discount carriers plans to acquire 737s, and last week Boeing signed firm orders with Japan Airlines for 30 787s and 30 73-800s committed to in December 2004. GE Commercial Aviation Services ordered six 737-700s on behalf of Sky Europe, which previously ordered six-700s. Based in Bratislavia, Slovakia, low-fare Sky Europe will begin receiving the Gecas aircraft next year. It already flies 737-500s. Additionally, Sky Europe has a pending order for four 737-700s and options on 16 more, but that is not expected to close until midsummer, a Boeing official said.

As Europe shows signs of climbing out of its airline recession, Boeing Co. is renewing its long-planned effort for the 737-900 program with a derivative that's likely to find its first customers among European charter carriers. Called the-900X, the program increases the aircraft's passenger count from 189 in a two-class layout to 204, or even 210 if a new style of flat rear bulkhead is employed. In the five years since the revamp of the venerable 737, Boeing has accumulated 2,171 total orders. Production development studies have shown that the -900X will require a two-position skid, with the second one extending 5 in. from the first during rotation as a sacrificial surface, said Kenneth S. Hiebert, Boeing's regional director for product marketing.