Boeing

The Boeing Company today confirmed that Honolulu- based carrier Hawaiian Airlines earned one of the highest extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) approvals with its new Boeing 767-300ER airplanes from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Hawaiian Airlines is the first airline in the industry without prior ETOPS experience to receive 180-minute approval from the FAA.

"This historic achievement is also a milestone in Hawaiian's history," said Paul Casey, vice chairman and chief executive officer. "It signals a new era of greater efficiency and flexibility in our operations as we bring the latest technology in aviation online in our new fleet. Now, more than ever, as our industry faces unprecedented economic challenges, this new technology is vitally important to our company's future."

Other airlines that have received 180-minute ETOPS approval either had previous ETOPS experience on another twin-engine airplane or were initially granted approval for less diversion time.

ETOPS essentially defines how much flying time a two-engine airplane can be from a suitable alternate airport. The FAA allows ETOPS flights up to 180 minutes, if the airplane and the airline meet stringent safety requirements. ETOPS flights benefit today's airline passengers by more direct routes and shorter travel times.

"We would like to thank The Boeing Company for helping us get our program under way," said Bob Zoller, president and chief operating officer of Hawaiian Airlines. "They were very instrumental in helping develop a detailed plan that helped us get the approval."

The airline worked closely with the FAA and experienced ETOPS flight, maintenance, dispatch and maintenance control personnel to develop its ETOPS program and assess the company's operations.

"We were able to provide the right product to meet our customers needs," said Doug Groseclose, senior vice president of International Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing congratulates Hawaiian Airlines on this great accomplishment, and we look forward to being a part of their continued success."

The 767 family has the lowest operating cost per trip of any widebody airplane. This low-operating cost, combined with a choice of one freighter and three passenger models with range capability from 5,645 nautical miles (10,440 km) on the 767-400ER.

to 6,615 nautical miles (12,250 km) on the 767-200ER, universal airport compatibility and ETOPS capability, is what makes the 767 a versatile family of airplanes.

The Boeing Company is the largest aerospace company in the world and the United States' leading exporter. It is NASA's largest contractor and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft. The company's capabilities in aerospace also include rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, rocket engines, launch vehicles, satellites, and advanced information and communication systems. The company has an extensive global reach with customers in 145 countries.