KLM and the leasing company ILFC brightened Boeing's battered image yesterday by placing orders totaling $1.3 billion. The orders take sale for Boeing's new "next-generation" 737 family to the 1,012 mark. The 737 update was launched in late 1993.

Los Angeles-based ILFC ordered 17 transports, including six 757-200s, one 767-300ER, one 777-200ER and nine next-gen 737-800s. Combined value exceeds $900 million at list prices. ILFC is one of Boeing's biggest customers.

Deliveries of the 757 and 777 are scheduled for 1999 and the 737s and 767 in 2001.

KLM added four 737-900 transports to its existing order for eight 737-800s. When delivered in mid-2001, the aircraft will be the first -900s in Europe. Alaska Airlines and Continental also have ordered -900s. KLM's -900s will be configured with 170 seats in two classes. They likely will be used on high-density intra-Europe routes including Amsterdam-London, Amsterdam-Paris, and possibly Amsterdam-Milan, according to Rene Kallman, fleet development VP for Amsterdam-based KLM.

By Paul Proctor