Boeing

After a successful three-month flight-test program, the first Boeing [NYSE: BA] 757-300 airplane powered by Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines today earned certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and validation from Europe's Joint Aviation Authorities.

The PW2000 engine family builds on the proven success of the 757-200s, which are offered with PW2037 and PW2040 engines. A higher thrust version of the engine -- the PW2043 -- also earned certification and provides 43,000 pounds of thrust and additional performance capability for the 757-300.

Northwest Airlines, which currently operates a fleet of 55 757-200s equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines, will take delivery of this 757-300 next month. With the delivery to Northwest Airlines this summer, the 757-300, which also is offered with Rolls-Royce engines, will have entered service with three major North American carriers in a 12-month period.