Boeing To Build Short-Range Jet

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30681, 22 February 1965, Page 13

Boeing To Build Short-Range Jet

(N.Z. Preus Association—Copyright)

SEATTLE, February 21

The Boeing Company today announced production of a short-range jetliner called the 737. The German airline, Lufthansa, has placed a 116 million dollar order for 21 of the new jets and five more Boeing 7275. The new twin-jet airliner will compete with the British BASUI and the Douglas DC9 for a world-wide market estimated at more than 1000 aircraft —for which airlines will pay an estimated 3000 million dollars.

The Boeing announcement, by the company president (Mr William Allen) said the first 737 would roll out of the factory in November, 1966. The first delivery of a certificated aircraft for commercial service would be made in December, 1967. The British Aircraft Corporation was the first maker to fly a short-haul jet airliner. The Douglas Aircraft Company rolled out its first DC9 airliner at the end of last year. Boeing’s entry into the market had long been expected and several major U.S. airlines have indicated they were withholding purchases until Boeing announced its decision.

Mr Alien’s announcement indicated that the experience the company had gained with its successful 727 would make

the new jet more than competitive. The new plane will be about half as long as the 134 ft 727, but just as wide so that four, five or six passengers could be seated abreast. It will be powered by two Pratt and Whitney jet engines, each of which deliver 14,000 pounds of thrust to give it a cruising speed of between 500 and 580 miles an hour for up to 700 miles with a full payload.