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by Mark Saga

Boeing announced that Royal Dutch Airlines will purchase additional 777 and 737 aircraft.

Three next generation 737s and extended range 777s will be purchased. The order will gross Boeing $716 million. K. L. M. currently has 15 777s in its fleet, which they operate through a combination of leasing and purchases.

The 737s will help K. L. M. to increase short haul efficiencies, and give its fleet greater reliability and strength. K. L. M. hopes to strengthen its competitive situation in Europe. K. L. M. is Royal Dutch Airlines. The new aircraft will be more fuel efficient and will have less of an impact on the environment.

K. L. M. and Boeing have a long-standing relationship. This is important for Boeing in its long and difficult competition with Airbus for European, American, and Asian markets. Airbus has certain advantages in that it is supported by European governments, whereas Boeing receives far fewer subsidies from the U.S. government than do its European competitors. Nevertheless, Boeing remains highly competitive and these sales indicate that it will continue to be so in the near future.

Boeing's 777 has over 50 international customers who have ordered more than 1000 of the aircraft. These orders are worth more than $90 billion at current prices. Boeing has orders for 4200 Next Generation 737s, for total combined sales of $130 billion.

In addition to the passenger 777, Boeing produces a freighter, which has received orders from Air France, further evidence that Boeing remains competitive in the European realm. The 777 freighter provides more capacity than other similar twin engine freighters. It has a gigantic payload capacity and a range of 4885 nautical miles. Because it is capable flying such a long distance, purchasers of the aircraft will have lower fuel costs and lower maintenance costs due to fewer landings at hub airports. The 777 has the lowest per trip cost of any other freighter on the market. It also has a distinctive look, with raked wing tips.

The 737 passenger airplane is designed with reliability and simplicity in mind. Some of its technological innovations include blended winglets.

Most people do not know much about aircraft technologies or even simple, interesting facts about the way these aircraft are produced. For example, it takes 50 gallons of paint to cover the average 737, and in the end this paint winds up adding 250 pounds to the aircraft's weight.

The 737 has gone through many modifications since the first order was received for one of its ancestors, in 1965, an order placed Lufthansa.

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