1-Seat Boeing 717 Passes Flight Test, Certification Program

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Boeing has completed its main flight test and certification program for the 717 commercial jetliner with better-than-expected results, which company officials say provide a boost to the sales effort for the multimillion-dollar aircraft.

The final certification flight was conducted last week, and Boeing expects to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Joint Aviation Authorities in early September.

With certification, deliveries can begin and production can be increased to a goal of 60 planes a year. Each aircraft has a list price of $31 million.

The first delivery to AirTran is set for Sept. 23, followed by a second delivery Sept. 24, an AirTran spokeswoman said last week.

The flight test and certification portion of an airline program is crucial because it provides proof that the airplane meets engineers' specifications and points out design flaws.

The results of both can affect airline sales, industry experts said.

"The flight-test program has been very, very good to the sales effort," said Michael Delaney, director of 717 test and evaluation for Boeing. "Coming in under book and with better performance really gives you something to go talk about. It enables you to use that in competition - makes your airplane more competitive."

The 717 has tough competition in the short-haul, 100-seat market from the Airbus A318.

Airbus is a European consortium that produces commercial jetliners.

The 717 is being produced by Boeing at its Long Beach plant.

Boeing says it has 115 firm orders for the 717, with 100 options. AirTran, the launch customer, and TWA each have placed 50 orders and 50 options.