Boeing

The Boeing Company announced today a contract with Japan Airlines (JAL) to convert four 747-300 jetliners from domestic-passenger configurations to international-passenger configurations. The work will be done at Boeing Wichita, the company's principal site for airplane modifications.

The modifications will give JAL the flexibility to configure the aircraft's seating in four different arrangements, depending on the carrier's needs and the routes flown. Changes will include new lavatories and galleys; re-arranged seats and passenger-service units; a video-entertainment system and smoking corners with special venting. The modifications also will allow JAL crews to change seating configurations within a few hours.

"We realize our customers are operating in a very competitive environment. These modifications will allow JAL to get the most possible value from their airplanes," said Modification Responsibility Center Director Vic McMullen.

The first airplane in the contract is scheduled to arrive in Wichita in November 1998 and be delivered in January 1999. The remaining 747-300s will follow in sequence, with the last one scheduled for delivery in November 1999.

The contract breaks new ground for Boeing. It will be the first time Boeing Wichita has modified a 747-300. The Modification Responsibility Center is a full-service facility specializing in wide-bodied commercial aircraft modifications.