Boeing

Boeing Delivers KLM's First 747-400 Extended Range Freighter

Boeing today delivered the first of three new Boeing 747-400ER (extended range) Freighters ordered last year by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines of the Netherlands. The freighter is the first new all-cargo airplane to enter KLM's fleet. The other two new freighters are scheduled for delivery in April 2003 and early 2004.

"These new freighters will give KLM Cargo additional service opportunities for our customers around the globe," said Michael Wisbrun, executive vice president of KLM Cargo. "The additional range and payload will allow us to serve long-range markets directly with no technical stops - and that will save time and money."

KLM flies cargo internationally to more than 30 destinations worldwide.

The new Boeing 747-400ER Freighter can fly 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 kilometers) farther than a 747-300 Freighter and carry 15,400 pounds (7 metric tonnes) more cargo. It can fly 530 nautical miles (982 kilometers) farther than a 747-400 Freighter.

"We are proud that KLM has added this new freighter model to its Boeing fleet," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The Boeing 747-400 Freighter family has been and continues to be the major factor in the profitability of the world's top cargo carriers. It has the lowest tonne-kilometer cost of any freighter that is now in service or in development."

The 747-400ER Freighter also generates less takeoff noise at airports than older freighters, a factor important in environmentally conscious Europe. Due to advanced jet engine technology, a 747-400ER Freighter is 75 percent quieter on takeoff than a 747-300 Freighter.

The new Boeing 747-400ER freighter has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,770 kilograms), an increase of 35,000 pounds (15,876 kilograms) over the 747-400 Freighter. The increase allows the 747-400ER to either fly farther or carry an additional 22,000 pounds (9,980 kilograms) of freight. To support the additional weight, the new model has strengthened parts in its wings, fuselage and landing gear.

The Boeing 747 Freighter fleet of more than 250 airplanes provides more than half of the world's freighter capacity. The 747 family was designed with cargo as a primary consideration and the single main deck provides for optimal operational efficiency.

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For further information:
Cheryl Addams
(206) 766-2919, Seattle
Jesse Verstraete
32 2 777 0790, Brussels
Marc Birtel
(425) 342-4773, Everett