Boeing

Computer users worldwide will be able to watch the first Boeing 717-200 embark on its inaugural flight in "real time" on the Internet.

The flight is expected to take off at 11:30 a.m. PDT today, with the live webcast beginning 15 minutes earlier. Adverse weather or unforeseen last-minute technical issues could delay the flight.

The live "webcast" will include a hosted show, complete with interviews, video clips and the excitement surrounding the first flight of the newest member of the Boeing commercial jet airplane family.

To observe the event "live," viewers should log on to the Boeing home page at http://www.boeing.com. The entire first flight video can be seen soon after the event concludes.

The Boeing 717-200 twinjet was introduced to the world in October 1995 as the McDonnell Douglas MD-95. The 717 is the product of a global program launched to serve a growing worldwide market that demands full-size jetliner comfort, low operating costs, and high schedule reliability.

The first 717-200 will be delivered to launch customer AirTran Airlines, which is based in Orlando, Fla. Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing Company, the first European customer for the 717-200, is scheduled to accept deliveries in late 1999 and into 2000.