The FINANCIAL -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) recently prepared a new GOL Airlines 737-800 for Boeing's first-ever application of a chrome-free primer to a single-aisle airplane bound for revenue service.

As part of Boeing's life cycle approach to reducing environmental impact, and in response to requests from the Brazilian carrier and other customers, Boeing has introduced a chrome-free primer to complement chrome-free exterior decorative paint, which Boeing has used for more than a decade. In addition to simplified health and safety monitoring requirements, a chrome-free primer reduces the environmental impact of the paint and stripping process. Using a chrome-free primer eliminates the need for designated off-site disposal areas and special handling of paint waste and clean up. Such advantages also are of benefit when the airplane is prepared for repainting.

Chrome -- technically known as hexavalent chrome -- is considered a carcinogen and exposure levels are highly regulated.

Boeing will apply the chrome-free paint and primer on its models for in-service evaluation, with the intention of making it a standard option in the future. Sao Paulo-based GOL is the first airline in the Americas and the first 737 operator to take part in the evaluation program.  In August a KLM 777-300 ER received a similar treatment, which also has been used on the AH-64 Apache for several years.

GOL, which also controls the VARIG brand, is Latin America's largest low-cost, low-fare carrier, offering more than 860 daily flights to 50 destinations connecting all of Brazil's major cities, plus 10 major destinations in South America and the Caribbean. The airline operates a standardized fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 airplanes.

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