Welcome to the new monthly Boeing Frontiers magazine, which replaces -- and greatly enhances -- the bi-weekly Boeing newspaper. Frontiers is committed to telling Boeing's global story and supporting its strategic transformation through insightful features and analysis articles about who we are, what we do and how we will lead in defining the future.

Our goal is to be much more than a typical corporate publication -- to push into new frontiers ourselves. You, the reader, will be the judge. We welcome your feedback.

-- Judith Muhlberg, publisher

I am a mechanical engineer and have traveled many times on many kinds of aircraft. I used to believe the best plane for long trips was the Boeing 747.

But I recently made a very good journey with Singapore Airlines on a Boeing 777 from Istanbul to Taipei --and have changed my mind. Congratulations! I think the 777 is the best aircraft in the world. This is an unbelievable design. All details are designed perfectly. Now, if I can choose, I prefer to fly on a Boeing 777.

-- Nedim TAHRALI, Istanbul/TURKEY

I wanted to provide you with some feedback on the layout of the web version of the new Boeing Frontiers magazine (http://www.boeing.com/frontiers): I found it enjoyable and easy to use.

-- Katherine C. Schwarz, Seattle, Wash.

I am an ex-McDonnell Douglas employee that has run a number of McDonnell Douglas plants as a general manager or plant manager. I have had numerous meetings with communities relative to local issues pertaining to those plants.

I am continually impressed with Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO and President Alan Mulally's approach to confronting Puget Sound transportation and other issues and focusing on the solutions. I think he is saying it clearly, challenging those involved to do something about it while at the same time indicating Boeing will participate and help.

It is important that communities, cities, states and unions realize they are part of the larger world economy and can be part of the solution, instead of blaming others. It is amazing what can be done when the elements are united.

-- Richard Thomas, Long Beach, Calif.

In view of the upcoming negotiations with Boeing's machinists and engineers, I would like to urge Boeing management to extend the Employee Incentive Plan (EIP) to all Boeing employees. After all, union-represented employees, and not just the non-represented ones, contribute greatly to the progress of this company each year. It seems to me if Boeing can extend similar benefits to nonrepresented employees as we have in our union contracts, such as health plans, and Share Value, then the reverse should also be true. Since there seems to be such an emphasis on making all things common among employees throughout Boeing, why not EIP as well?

-- Paul C. Magnussen, Seattle, Wash.

I want to say how much I appreciate the company's position on extending benefits for Reservists and Guard members who have been called up following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Although I have not been activated, I have had about 20 of my squadron members activated for overseas duty, and another 20 activated for state duty.

This Boeing policy sets a great example for how companies should support our troops. I'm only sorry more companies aren't doing the same.

I'm very proud to be a part of a company that looks after those who serve.

-- Bob Schmedake, St. Louis

When Boeing decides to move work from one state to another, i.e., 757 fuselage work to Kansas, it is this reader's opinion they should consider moving the workers as well. Or, at least give the employees a chance to move on their own, even at their own expense.

I feel that giving some of their most valued workers a chance to move, without taking on the risk of being considered a "new hire" at the new location, would benefit the company more than hiring unskilled workers they will have to spend hours training.

Just because Boeing is unsatisfied with the current traffic congestion in Washington's Puget Sound area and is tired of state and local government red tape, it does not mean the company should take out its frustrations on the workers by moving the work out of town. Why not give "our most-valued asset " a chance to continue to work for such a large enterprise.

-- Paul Snape, Renton, Wash.

How about a story on telecommuting? In our division, I estimate 80 percent of the work done is done on computer in a cubicle. This job could very well be done from a home office. The balance of our time is consumed in meetings, which could be accomplished by conference calls or video conferencing one day a week.

-- Paul D. Gardner, Auburn, Wash.

Editor's note: This issue's "New and Notable" section has a story covering Boeing's "virtual workplace" initiatives, including telecommuting.

I would suggest including an "amazing Boeing fact" in Boeing news publications. I would like to share these facts with my staff so they can have a better appreciation of how many fascinating things this company does, produces and supports. This would engender pride and help people become aware of the amazing scope of The Boeing Company.

-- Chris Lowe, Renton, Wash.

Editor's note: A feature similar to this, called "Insights," has run in Boeing News for almost two years and will be continued in Boeing Frontiers. Also look for Boeing Frontiers' new "By the Numbers" feature, which each month will highlight interesting statistics about Boeing and the aerospace industry.

There seems to be no process in place for a Boeing employee to submit ideas and creative proposal concepts from one Boeing business unit to another. I tried doing this once and never received a response. Such a process would be an advantage to the company.

-- Ron Young, San Antonio, Tex.

Editor's note: The Chairman's Innovation Initiative, formed in September 2000, is a program to create new-business activities based on entrepreneurial ideas from employees. It also has been successful at uncovering good business concepts for Boeing's business units as well. Employees interested in the Chairman's Innovation Initiative can get more information at http://cii.boeing.com on the Boeing intranet.

I am hoping that your new magazine will have a column that highlights the effects of technology on public policy. I think it is very important, as a technology-based company, to address how technologies developed by Boeing affect our society, from economic impact to influences on our society.

Everything we have heard so far is how technology affect our bottom line. How about at this time we shift our focus onto how the technology we develop affects our society and the world? We need to help the public understand how our products and services affect their lives. I really think this aligns well with Boeing's concept of good corporate citizenship.

-- Blandino "Dino" C. Go, Seattle, Wash.