AEROSPACE

Boeing Gets $1.6-Billion Order From Indonesian Airline: The Seattle-based aircraft maker received the order for 23 jets--six 777s and 17 737s--from state-owned airline Garuda Indonesia. The airline also has an option to buy six Boeing 747s. Delivery will begin in 1997 and continue through 2002. Boeing said previously that it planned to increase monthly 737 production to 17 by early 1998, more than double its current rate, and to hire 8,200 workers this year to keep up with demand. Garuda Indonesia already has 24 Boeing planes in its 72-plane fleet. Meanwhile in Beijing, Boeing CEO Philip Condit said political tensions between Beijing and Washington are costing his company business and urged the U.S. to support China’s entry into the World Trade Organization and to grant China normal trading rights permanently.