Europe's Joint Airworthiness Authorities earlier this week certified the new Boeing 767-400ER. JAA validation of FAA's approval for 180-minute extended range twin-engine operations -- ETOPS -- is expected to follow shortly

JAA certification is important, Boeing said, as about a third of current 767 customers are located in Europe. FAA certified the 767-400ER on July 20.

Boeing began an eight-month flight test program following the maiden flight of the 767-400ER on October 9. Three flight test aircraft logged 1,150 flight- and 1,200 ground test hours that checked aircraft performance, stability and control and verified automatic flight controls and other aircraft systems.

The 767-400ER is 21 ft longer than the 767-300 and carries about 15% more seats. It will accommodate 245 passengers in a three-class configuration. U.S. carriers Delta and Continental have ordered the 767-400.

By Paul Proctor