Boeing

The 767-400ER (extended range) is now ready for airline service, after being certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The first new airplane to enter service in the 21st century has also been given approval for 180-minute ETOPS (extended-range, twin-engine operations). The certification and ETOPS approval follow an eight-month flight test program that included 1,150 flight- and 1,200 ground-test hours to validate the airplane's design. "This thorough testing has demonstrated the airplane's safety, reliability and performance," said John Quinlivan, 767 Program vice president and general manager. "Our customers expect a service-ready airplane, and that's what we'll deliver."