Yester Year

10 Years ago

• The FAA awarded type certification for the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 on November 7. The four aircraft test program took place over seven months with 1550 flights involving 2000 flight test hours plus 2220 hours of ground testing.

• A US$1. 2 billion contract was signed on November 27 for the acquisition of 18 Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules by the Italian air force. Firm sales of the C-130J have now reached 73 and a further 72 options are held. Meanwhile, surplus former USAF C-130Bs have been sold to other air forces.