The Boeing Co. has plucked the eyebrows from its 737s. It announced Wednesday it would no longer install four small eyebrow windows located above the corners of the main cockpit window. Originally, they were used to improve lines of sight for the flight crews, but sensors now make them unnecessary. It also allows airlines to eliminate about 300 hours of maintenance inspections over the plane’s life.
Iceland airline to order 10 737s
The Flugleidir Icelandair Group said Wednesday it would order 10 Boeing Co. 737-800s as part of the Iceland-based airline holding company’s efforts to establish an aircraft leasing operation. The deal is worth $650 million at list prices, although airlines typically negotiate steep discounts. Icelandair also has the option to buy five more of the planes. Boeing shares rose 2 cents to close at $49.86 in Wednesday trading .
Boeing workers aid tsunami victims
Employees and retirees from the Boeing Co. have donated more than $1.3 million to a fund to assist survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami. The money is being channeled through the Boeing Employees Community Fund. The company, which already has committed $1 million to the effort, will match dollar-for-dollar money donated by employees, and 50 cents for every dollar donated by retirees. The fund will continue to collect donations until Feb. 28.
Merck testing obesity treatment
Merck &Co. has launched a phase 1 clinical study for PYY3-36, an experimental obesity treatment initially developed by Nastech Pharmaceutical Co. Bothell’s Nastech and Merck agreed last year to jointly develop the potentially lucrative nasal spray, with Merck directing the clinical studies and the regulatory approval process.
RealNetworks cuts its losses
RealNetworks Inc.’s fourth-quarter net loss narrowed as revenue climbed 34 percent due to sales of downloadable games and music. The Seattle maker of the RealPlayer media-playing software late Wednesday posted a net loss of $972,000, or 1 cent a share, compared with a net loss of $5.3 million, or 3 cents a share, a year earlier. The net loss in the latest quarter included $3 million, or 2 cents a share, in expenses for antitrust litigation against Microsoft Corp.
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