BOEING CO
S-4, 1998-05-13
AIRCRAFT
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<PAGE>   1
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 13, 1998.
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                               THE BOEING COMPANY
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                                       <C>
                DELAWARE                                    3721                                   91-0425694
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF             (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL                    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
     INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)             CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)                  IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>
 
                          7755 EAST MARGINAL WAY SOUTH
                           SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98108
                                 (206) 655-2121
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                              THEODORE J. COLLINS
                   SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                               THE BOEING COMPANY
                          7755 EAST MARGINAL WAY SOUTH
                           SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98108
                                 (206) 655-2121
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
                                   COPIES TO:
                                   ANDREW BOR
                                 ALAN C. SMITH
                                PERKINS COIE LLP
                         1201 THIRD AVENUE, 40TH FLOOR
                         SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101-3099
                                 (206) 583-8888
                            ------------------------
        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
  AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
 
     If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
 
     If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
- ---------------
 
     If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for he same offering. [ ]
- ---------------
                            ------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================================================================
                                                             PROPOSED                PROPOSED
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            AMOUNT TO         MAXIMUM OFFERING        MAXIMUM AGGREGATE           AMOUNT OF
   SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED     BE REGISTERED(1)   PRICE PER DEBENTURE(2)     OFFERING PRICE(2)       REGISTRATION FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>                 <C>                     <C>                     <C>
6 5/8% Debentures due
  February 15, 2038..............    $300,000,000              100%                $300,000,000               $88,500
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
(2) Equals the aggregate principal amount of the securities being registered.
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 13, 1998
PROSPECTUS
 
                               THE BOEING COMPANY
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
                    6 5/8% DEBENTURES DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038
          WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                       FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING
                    6 5/8% DEBENTURES DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038
            WHICH WERE ISSUED AND SOLD IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM
                 REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                            ------------------------
 
     THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK
CITY TIME, ON                  , 1998, UNLESS EXTENDED.
 
     The Boeing Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby offers,
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus (as
the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, this "Prospectus")
and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the
"Exchange Offer"), to exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
its 6 5/8% Debentures due February 15, 2038 (the "Exchange Debentures") that
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement (as defined herein) of
which this Prospectus constitutes a part, for a like aggregate principal amount
of its outstanding 6 5/8% Debentures due February 15, 2038 (the "Original
Debentures"), of which $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount are issued and
outstanding. The Original Debentures and the Exchange Debentures are sometimes
collectively referred to herein as the "Debentures." See "The Exchange Offer"
and "Description of Exchange Debentures."
 
     The terms of the Exchange Debentures are identical in all material respects
to the terms of the Original Debentures, except that the Exchange Debentures (i)
have been registered under the Securities Act and therefore will not be subject
to certain restrictions on transfer applicable to the Original Debentures and
(ii) will not provide for any increase in the interest rate thereon. See
"Description of Exchange Debentures." The Exchange Debentures are being offered
for exchange in order to satisfy certain obligations of the Company under the
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 19, 1998 (the "Registration
Rights Agreement") between the Company and the Initial Purchasers (as defined
herein).
                                               (continued on the following page)
 
     This Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal are first being mailed to all
holders of the Original Debentures on                , 1998.
 
                            ------------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
         EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
         THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
      COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
           ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
              The date of this Prospectus is                , 1998
<PAGE>   3
 
     The Exchange Debentures will be unsecured indebtedness of the Company, will
rank pari passu in right of payment with all other unsubordinated and unsecured
indebtedness of the Company and will mature on February 15, 2038. Interest on
the Exchange Debentures will accrue from February 24, 1998 and will be payable
in cash on each February 15 and August 15, commencing August 15, 1998. The
Exchange Debentures will be redeemable in whole or in part, at the option of the
Company at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the
greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Exchange Debentures to be
redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled
Payments (as defined herein) discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual
basis at the Treasury Rate (as defined herein) plus 15 basis points, together in
either case with accrued interest to the date of redemption. See "Description of
Exchange Debentures -- Optional Redemption."
 
     In the event that the Exchange Offer is consummated, any Original
Debentures that remain outstanding after consummation of the Exchange Offer and
the Exchange Debentures issued in the Exchange Offer will vote together as a
single class for purposes of determining whether holders of the requisite
percentage in outstanding principal amount thereof have taken certain actions or
exercised certain rights under the Indenture dated as of August 15, 1991 between
the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee"), as amended
and supplemented from time to time (the "Indenture"), relating to the
Debentures.
 
     The Company sold the Original Debentures in an offering exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act, which was consummated on
February 24, 1998.
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Debentures for its own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Debentures. The Letter
of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of Exchange Debentures received in exchange for Original Debentures
acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. The Company has agreed that, for a period ending on the
close of business on the 180th day following the Expiration Date (as defined
herein), it will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in
connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution." However, a
broker-dealer which acquired Original Debentures for its own account as a result
of market-making activities or other trading activities (a "Participating
Broker-Dealer"), and which intends to use this Prospectus in connection with the
resale of Exchange Debentures received in exchange for Original Debentures
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must notify the Company, or cause the Company to
be notified, on or prior to the Expiration Date, that it is a Participating
Broker-Dealer. Such notice may be given in the space provided for that purpose
in the Letter of Transmittal or may be delivered to the Exchange Agent (as
defined herein) at the addresses set forth herein under "The Exchange Offer --
Exchange Agent." Any Participating Broker-Dealer which acquired Original
Debentures directly from the Company or which is an "affiliate" of the Company
will not be permitted or entitled to tender such Original Debentures in the
Exchange Offer and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction.
See "The Exchange Offer -- Resales of Exchange Debentures."
 
     In such regard, each Participating Broker-Dealer which surrenders Original
Debentures pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be deemed to have agreed, by
execution of the Letter of Transmittal, that upon receipt of notice from the
Company of the occurrence of (i) any event or the discovery of any fact that
makes any statement contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
untrue in any material respect or that causes this Prospectus to omit to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained or
incorporated by reference herein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading or (ii) certain other events specified in the
Registration Rights Agreement, such Participating Broker-Dealer will suspend the
use of this Prospectus until the Company has amended or supplemented this
Prospectus to correct such misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of
the amended or supplemented Prospectus to such Participating Broker-Dealer, or
the Company has given notice that the use of this Prospectus may be resumed, as
the case may be. If the Company gives such notice to suspend the use of this
Prospectus, it shall extend the 180-day period referred to above during which
Participating Broker-Dealers are entitled to use this Prospectus
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
in connection with the resale of Exchange Debentures by the number of days
during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to
and including the date when Participating Broker-Dealers shall have received
copies of the amended or supplemented Prospectus necessary to permit resales of
the Exchange Debentures or to and including the date on which the Company has
given notice that the use of this Prospectus may be resumed, as the case may be.
 
     Prior to the Exchange Offer, there has been only a limited secondary market
and no public market for the Original Debentures. The Exchange Debentures will
be a new issue of securities for which there currently is no market. Although
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, the initial purchasers of the Original Debentures (the "Initial
Purchasers"), have informed the Company that they currently intend to make a
market in the Exchange Debentures, they are not obligated to do so, and any such
market making may be discontinued at any time without notice. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the
Exchange Debentures. The Company currently does not intend to apply for listing
of the Exchange Debentures on any securities exchange or for quotation through
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") Automated
Quotation System.
 
     Any Original Debentures not tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer
will remain outstanding and will be entitled to the same rights and will be
subject to the same limitations applicable thereto under the Indenture (except
for those rights that terminate upon consummation of the Exchange Offer).
Following consummation of the Exchange Offer, the holders of Original Debentures
will continue to be subject to all the existing restrictions upon transfer
thereof and the Company will have no further obligation to such holders (other
than under certain limited circumstances) to provide for registration under the
Securities Act of the Original Debentures held by them. To the extent that
Original Debentures are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, a holder's
ability to sell untendered Original Debentures could be adversely affected.
 
     THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CONTAIN IMPORTANT
INFORMATION. HOLDERS OF ORIGINAL DEBENTURES ARE URGED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS
AND THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO
TENDER THEIR ORIGINAL DEBENTURES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
     Original Debentures may be tendered for exchange on or prior to 5:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on                , 1998 (such time on such date being
hereinafter called the "Expiration Date"), unless the Exchange Offer is extended
by the Company (in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest
date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended). Tenders of Original
Debentures may be withdrawn at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date. The
Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of Original
Debentures being tendered for exchange. However, the Exchange Offer is subject
to certain events and conditions that may be waived by the Company and to the
terms and provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. Original Debentures
may be tendered in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000 in aggregate
principal amount. The Company has agreed to pay all expenses of the Exchange
Offer. See "The Exchange Offer -- Fees and Expenses." Holders of the Original
Debentures whose Original Debentures are accepted for exchange will not receive
interest on such Original Debentures and will be deemed to have waived the right
to receive any interest on such Original Debentures accumulated from and after
February 24, 1998. Accordingly, holders of Exchange Debentures as of the record
date for the payment of interest on August 15, 1998 will be entitled to receive
interest accumulated from and after February 24, 1998. See "The Exchange
Offer -- Interest Payments on Exchange Debentures."
 
     The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
Exchange Debentures offered hereby. No dealer-manager is being used in
connection with the Exchange Offer. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Plan of
Distribution."
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
     When used in this Prospectus, the words "estimate," "project," "intend" and
"expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Prospectus.
Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking
statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those risks,
uncertainties and risk factors identified under the heading "Forward-Looking
Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty" accompanying "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations, Financial Condition and
Business Environment" that is in the Company's 1997 Annual Report to
shareholders and that is incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. The Company
does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza,
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional
offices at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and
Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies of such material may also be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at
prescribed rates. The Commission also maintains a World Wide Web site that
contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information
regarding registrants (including the Company) that file electronically with the
Commission (http://www.sec.gov). The Company's common stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, and reports, proxy statements and other information
relating to the Company can be inspected at the New York Stock Exchange, 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10006.
 
     Prior to the merger on August 1, 1997 (the "Merger") of West Acquisition
Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, into McDonnell Douglas
Corporation ("McDonnell Douglas"), pursuant to which McDonnell Douglas became a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, McDonnell Douglas was subject to the
informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and the common stock of
McDonnell Douglas was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific
Stock Exchange. Information regarding McDonnell Douglas, including its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, is available as
indicated in the preceding paragraph. In addition, such information can be
inspected at the Pacific Stock Exchange, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco,
California 94014.
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-4, of which this Prospectus forms a part (the "Registration Statement"), to
register the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are
omitted from this Prospectus in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Commission. Statements made in this Prospectus as to the contents of any
contract, agreement or other document do not purport to be complete. With
respect to each such contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a more
complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be
deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. Items omitted from this
Prospectus but contained in the Registration Statement may be inspected and
copied as described above.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
     THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM
DATA SHIPPING DEPARTMENT, THE BOEING COMPANY, P.O. BOX 3707, MAIL STOP 3T-33,
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98124-2207. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE
DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE BY                  , 1998.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents filed with the Commission are incorporated into
this Prospectus by reference:
 
     1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
        1997 (File No. 1-442);
 
     2. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
        31, 1998 (File No. 1-442); and
 
     3. The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
        January 28, February 2 and April 10, 1998 (File No. 1-442).
 
     All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the termination of any offering of securities made by this Prospectus
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a
part hereof from their respective dates of filing. Any statement made in this
Prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that another statement made in this Prospectus or
in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
modified or superseded statement shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     As used herein, the terms "Prospectus" and "herein" mean this Prospectus,
including the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by
reference, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from
time to time. Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this Prospectus to
documents "incorporated by reference" are to documents incorporated by reference
into this Prospectus. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents
of any contract or other document referred to herein do not purport to be
complete, and where reference is made to the particular provisions of such
contract or other document, such provisions are qualified in all respects by
reference to all the provisions of such contract or other document. The Company
will provide without charge to any person to whom this Prospectus is delivered,
on such person's request, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by
reference (other than exhibits not specifically incorporated by reference into
the texts of such documents). Requests for such documents should be directed to
Data Shipping Department, The Boeing Company, P.O. Box 3707, Mail Stop 3T-33,
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, telephone (206) 393-4964.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following information is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus or incorporated by reference herein.
 
                               THE BOEING COMPANY
 
     The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries (herein referred to as
the "Company"), is one of the world's major aerospace firms. The Company
operates in two principal industries: commercial aircraft, and information,
space and defense systems. Commercial aircraft operations -- conducted through
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group -- involve development, production and
marketing of commercial aircraft and providing related support services
principally to the commercial airline industry worldwide. The Company is a
leading producer of commercial aircraft and offers a family of commercial
jetliners designed to meet a broad spectrum of passenger and cargo requirements
of domestic and foreign airlines. This family of commercial jet aircraft
currently includes the 737, MD-80, MD-90 and 757 standard-body models and the
767, MD-11, 777 and 747 wide-body models. Information, space and defense systems
operations -- conducted through Boeing Information, Space, and Defense Systems
Group -- involve research, development, production, modification and support of
the following products and related systems: military aircraft, including
fighter, transport and attack aircraft; helicopters; space and missile systems;
satellite launching vehicles; rocket engines; and specialized information
services.
 
     During 1997, approximately 59% of the Company's operating revenues were
attributable to the commercial aircraft segment, and approximately 40% of such
operating revenues were attributable to the information, space and defense
segment. An additional 1% of operating revenues were attributable to other
activities, including financial services. As of December 31, 1997, the Company
had shareholders' equity of approximately $13 billion and assets of
approximately $38 billion. As of January 1, 1998, the Company employed
approximately 239,000 employees.
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act, and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Commission. For further information regarding the Company,
holders of Original Debentures may refer to such reports, proxy statements and
other information, which are available as described in "Available Information"
and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."
 
     The mailing address and telephone number of the principal executive offices
of the Company are 7755 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington 98108 and
(206) 655-2121. The Company was originally incorporated in Washington in 1916
and was reincorporated in Delaware in 1934.
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
The Exchange Offer...........  The Company hereby offers up to $300,000,000
                               aggregate principal amount of Exchange Debentures
                               in exchange for a like aggregate principal amount
                               of Original Debentures. Original Debentures may
                               be tendered for exchange in whole or in part in
                               integral multiples of $1,000 in aggregate
                               principal amount. The Company is making the
                               Exchange Offer in order to satisfy its
                               obligations under the Registration Rights
                               Agreement relating to the Original Debentures.
                               For a description of the procedures for tendering
                               Original Debentures, see "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Original
                               Debentures."
 
Expiration Date..............  5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             ,
                               1998, unless the Exchange Offer is extended by
                               the Company (in which case the Expiration Date
                               will be the latest date and time to which the
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
                               Exchange Offer is extended). See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Terms of the Exchange Offer."
 
Conditions to the Exchange
Offer........................  The Exchange Offer is subject to certain
                               conditions, which may be waived by the Company in
                               its sole discretion. The Exchange Offer is not
                               conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of
                               Original Debentures being tendered. See "The
                               Exchange Offer -- Conditions to the Exchange
                               Offer."
 
Offer........................  The Company reserves the right in its sole and
                               absolute discretion, subject to applicable law,
                               at any time and from time to time, to (i) delay
                               the acceptance of the Original Debentures for
                               exchange, (ii) terminate the Exchange Offer if
                               certain specified conditions have not been
                               satisfied, (iii) extend the Expiration Date of
                               the Exchange Offer and retain all Original
                               Debentures tendered pursuant to the Exchange
                               Offer, subject, however, to the right of holders
                               of Original Debentures to withdraw their tendered
                               Original Debentures, or (iv) waive any condition
                               or otherwise amend the terms of the Exchange
                               Offer in any respect. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Terms of the Exchange Offer."
 
Withdrawal Rights............  Tenders of Original Debentures may be withdrawn
                               at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date by
                               delivering a written notice of such withdrawal to
                               the Exchange Agent in conformity with certain
                               procedures set forth below under "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Withdrawal Rights."
 
Procedures for Tendering
Original Debentures..........  Brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust
                               companies and other nominees who hold Original
                               Debentures through The Depository Trust Company
                               (the "Depository" or "DTC") may effect tenders by
                               book-entry transfer in accordance with DTC's
                               Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP"). Holders
                               of such Original Debentures registered in the
                               name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust
                               company or other nominee are urged to contact
                               such person promptly if they wish to tender
                               Original Debentures. In order for Original
                               Debentures to be tendered by a means other than
                               by book-entry transfer, a Letter of Transmittal
                               must be completed and signed in accordance with
                               the instructions contained therein. The Letter of
                               Transmittal and any other documents required by
                               the Letter of Transmittal must be delivered to
                               The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Exchange Agent")
                               by mail, facsimile, hand delivery or overnight
                               courier and either such Original Debentures must
                               be delivered to the Exchange Agent or specified
                               procedures for guaranteed delivery must be
                               complied with. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Original
                               Debentures."
 
                               Letters of Transmittal and certificates
                               representing Original Debentures should not be
                               sent to the Company. Such documents should be
                               sent only to the Exchange Agent.
 
Resales of Exchange
Debentures...................  The Company is making the Exchange Offer in
                               reliance on the position of the staff of the
                               Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission
                               as set forth in certain interpretive letters
                               addressed to third parties in other transactions.
                               However, the Company has not sought its own
                               interpretive letter and there can be no assurance
                               that
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
                               the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance
                               of the Commission would make a similar
                               determination with respect to the Exchange Offer
                               as it has in such interpretive letters to third
                               parties. Based on these interpretations by the
                               staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of
                               the Commission, and subject to the two
                               immediately following sentences, the Company
                               believes that Exchange Debentures issued pursuant
                               to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Original
                               Debentures may be offered for resale, resold and
                               otherwise transferred by a holder thereof (other
                               than a holder which is a broker-dealer) without
                               further compliance with the registration and
                               prospectus delivery requirements of the
                               Securities Act, provided that such Exchange
                               Debentures are acquired in the ordinary course of
                               such holder's business and that such holder is
                               not participating, and has no arrangement or
                               understanding with any person to participate, in
                               a distribution (within the meaning of the
                               Securities Act) of such Exchange Debentures.
                               However, any holder of Original Debentures who is
                               an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 under the
                               Securities Act, of the Company or who intends to
                               participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose
                               of distributing Exchange Debentures, or any
                               broker-dealer which purchased the Original
                               Debentures from the Company to resell pursuant to
                               Rule 144A under the Securities Act ('Rule 144A")
                               or any other available exemption under the
                               Securities Act, (i) will not be able to rely on
                               the interpretations of the staff of the Division
                               of Corporation Finance of the Commission set
                               forth in the above-mentioned interpretive
                               letters, (ii) will not be permitted or entitled
                               to tender such Original Debentures in the
                               Exchange Offer, and (iii) must comply with the
                               registration and prospectus delivery requirements
                               of the Securities Act in connection with any sale
                               or other transfer of such Original Debentures
                               unless such sale is made pursuant to an exemption
                               from such requirements. In addition, as described
                               below, if any broker-dealer holds Original
                               Debentures acquired for its own account as a
                               result of market-making or other trading
                               activities and exchanges such Original Debentures
                               for Exchange Debentures, then such broker-dealer
                               must deliver a prospectus meeting the
                               requirements of the Securities Act in connection
                               with any resales of such Exchange Debentures.
 
                               Each holder of Original Debentures who wishes to
                               exchange Original Debentures for Exchange
                               Debentures in the Exchange Offer will be required
                               to represent that (i) it is not an "affiliate,"
                               as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act,
                               of the Company, (ii) any Exchange Debentures to
                               be received by it are being acquired in the
                               ordinary course of its business, (iii) it has no
                               arrangement or understanding with any person to
                               participate in a distribution (within the meaning
                               of the Securities Act) of such Exchange
                               Debentures, and (iv) if such holder is not a
                               broker-dealer, such holder is not engaged in, and
                               does not intend to engage in, a distribution
                               (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of
                               such Exchange Debentures. Each broker-dealer that
                               receives Exchange Debentures for its own account
                               in exchange for Original Debentures, where such
                               Original Debentures were acquired by such
                               broker-dealer as a result of market-making
                               activities or other trading activities, must
                               acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
                               connection with any resale of such Exchange
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                               Debentures. See "Plan of Distribution." The
                               Letter of Transmittal states that, by so
                               acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
                               broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
                               is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
                               Securities Act.
 
                               Based on the position taken by the staff of the
                               Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission
                               in the interpretive letters referred to above,
                               the Company believes that Participating
                               Broker-Dealers which acquired Original Debentures
                               for their own accounts as a result of
                               market-making activities or other trading
                               activities may fulfill their prospectus delivery
                               requirements with respect to the Exchange
                               Debentures received upon exchange of such
                               Original Debentures (other than Original
                               Debentures that represent an unsold allotment
                               from the initial sale of the Original Debentures)
                               with a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
                               Securities Act, which may be the prospectus
                               prepared for an exchange offer so long as it
                               contains a description of the plan of
                               distribution with respect to the resale of such
                               Exchange Debentures. Accordingly, this
                               Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented
                               from time to time, may be used by a Participating
                               Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of
                               Exchange Debentures received in exchange for
                               Original Debentures where such Original
                               Debentures were acquired by such Participating
                               Broker-Dealer for its own account as a result of
                               market-making or other trading activities.
                               Subject to certain provisions set forth in the
                               Registration Rights Agreement and to the
                               limitations described in "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Resales of Exchange Debentures," the
                               Company has agreed that this Prospectus, as it
                               may be amended or supplemented from time to time,
                               may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
                               connection with resales of such Exchange
                               Debentures for a period ending 180 days after the
                               Expiration Date (subject to extension under
                               certain limited circumstances) or, if earlier,
                               when all such Exchange Debentures have been
                               disposed of by such Participating Broker-Dealer.
                               See "Plan of Distribution." Any Participating
                               Broker-Dealer which purchased Original Debentures
                               directly from the Company or which is an
                               "affiliate" of the Company may not rely on such
                               interpretive letters and must comply with the
                               registration and prospectus delivery requirements
                               of the Securities Act in connection with any
                               resale transaction. See "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Resales of Exchange Debentures."
 
Exchange Agent...............  The exchange agent with respect to the Exchange
                               Offer is The Chase Manhattan Bank. The addresses,
                               and telephone and facsimile numbers, of the
                               Exchange Agent are set forth in "The Exchange
                               Offer -- Exchange Agent" and in the Letter of
                               Transmittal. The Chase Manhattan Bank also serves
                               as Trustee under the Indenture.
 
Use of Proceeds..............  The Company will not receive any cash proceeds
                               from the issuance of the Exchange Debentures
                               offered hereby. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
Certain Federal Income Tax
  Consequences...............  Holders of Original Debentures should review the
                               information set forth in "Certain Federal Income
                               Tax Consequences" prior to tendering Original
                               Debentures in the Exchange Offer.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
                            THE EXCHANGE DEBENTURES
 
Securities Offered...........  Up to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of
                               the Company's Exchange Debentures that have been
                               registered under the Securities Act are being
                               offered in exchange for a like aggregate
                               principal amount of Original Debentures. The
                               Exchange Debentures will be issued and the
                               Original Debentures were issued under the
                               Indenture. The Exchange Debentures and any
                               Original Debentures that remain outstanding after
                               consummation of the Exchange Offer will vote
                               together as a single class for purposes of
                               determining whether holders of the requisite
                               percentage in outstanding principal amount
                               thereof have taken certain actions or exercised
                               certain rights under the Indenture. See
                               "Description of Exchange
                               Debentures -- Modification and Waiver." The terms
                               of the Exchange Debentures are identical in all
                               material respects to the terms of the Original
                               Debentures, except that the Exchange Debentures
                               have been registered under the Securities Act and
                               therefore will not be subject to certain
                               restrictions on transfer applicable to the
                               Original Debentures and will not provide for any
                               increase in the interest rate thereon. See "The
                               Exchange Offer -- Purpose of the Exchange Offer"
                               and "Description of Exchange Debentures."
 
Maturity Date................  February 15, 2038.
 
Interest.....................  Interest on the Exchange Debentures is payable
                               semiannually on each February 15 and August 15,
                               commencing August 15, 1998.
 
Ranking......................  The Exchange Debentures will be unsecured
                               obligations of the Company and will rank pari
                               passu with all other unsecured and unsubordinated
                               indebtedness of the Company.
 
Redemption...................  The Exchange Debentures will be redeemable in
                               whole or in part, at the option of the Company at
                               any time and from time to time, at a redemption
                               price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the
                               principal amount of the Exchange Debentures to be
                               redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values
                               of the Remaining Scheduled Payments discounted to
                               the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the
                               Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points, together in
                               either case with accrued interest to the date of
                               redemption. See "Description of Exchange
                               Debentures -- Optional Redemption."
 
Ratings......................  The Exchange Debentures are rated AA3 by Moody's
                               Investors Service, Inc. and AA+ by Standard &
                               Poor's Rating Services.
 
Book-Entry; Delivery and
Form.........................  It is expected that delivery of the Exchange
                               Debentures will be made in book-entry or
                               certificated form. The Company expects that
                               Exchange Debentures exchanged for Original
                               Debentures currently represented by Global
                               Exchange Debentures (as herein defined) deposited
                               with, or on behalf of the Depository and
                               registered in the name of Cede & Co., its
                               nominee, will be represented by Global Exchange
                               Debentures and deposited upon issuance with the
                               Depository and registered in its name or the name
                               of its nominee. Beneficial interests in the
                               Global Exchange Debentures will be shown on, and
                               transfers thereof will be effected through,
                               records maintained by the Depository and its
                               participants.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
Transfer Restrictions........  The Exchange Debentures will be issued, and may
                               be transferred, only in minimum denominations of
                               not less than $1,000 principal amount. See "The
                               Exchange Offer -- Terms of the Exchange Offer."
                               Any such transfer of Exchange Debentures in
                               denominations of less than $1,000 principal
                               amount shall be deemed void and of no legal
                               effect whatsoever.
 
Absence of Market for the
  Debentures.................  The Exchange Debentures will be a new issue of
                               securities for which there currently is no
                               market. Although the Initial Purchasers have
                               informed the Company that they currently intend
                               to make a market in the Exchange Debentures, they
                               are not obligated to do so, and any such
                               market-making may be discontinued at any time
                               without notice. Accordingly, there can be no
                               assurance as to the development or liquidity of
                               any market for the Exchange Debentures. The
                               Company currently does not intend to apply for
                               listing of the Exchange Debentures on any
                               securities exchange or for quotation through the
                               NASD Automated Quotation System. See "Plan of
                               Distribution."
 
     For additional information regarding the Exchange Debentures, see
"Description of Exchange Debentures" and "Certain Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain obligations of the
Company under the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company will not receive
any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Exchange Debentures offered hereby
and has agreed to pay the expenses of the Exchange Offer. In consideration for
issuing the Exchange Debentures as contemplated in this Prospectus, the Company
will receive, in exchange, Original Debentures representing a like aggregate
principal amount at maturity. The form and terms of the Exchange Debentures are
identical in all material respects to the form and terms of the Original
Debentures, except as otherwise described in "The Exchange Offer -- Terms of the
Exchange Offer." The Original Debentures surrendered in the exchange for
Exchange Debentures will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued.
Accordingly, issuance of the Exchange Debentures will not result in any increase
in the outstanding debt of the Company.
 
                      RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
     The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company's
consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ----------------------------------------
                                                        1997     1996     1995     1994     1993
                                                        ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
<S>                                                     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges....................   (1)     5.8x      (2)     5.0x     5.5x
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) For the year ended December 31, 1997, earnings available for fixed charges
    totaling $312 million were insufficient to cover total fixed charges of $613
    million.
 
(2) For the year ended December 31, 1995, earnings available for fixed charges
    totaling $69 million were insufficient to cover total fixed charges of $492
    million.
 
     The ratio of earnings to fixed charges represents the number of times that
fixed charges were covered by earnings. In computing the ratio, earnings consist
of net earnings, plus federal taxes on income and fixed charges adjusted for the
capitalized interest and amortization of previously capitalized interest, less
earnings accounted for by the equity method and not distributed. Fixed charges
consist of interest on borrowings, both expensed and capitalized, and that
portion of rentals representative of an interest factor. As a result of the
Merger, each of the Company's ratios of earnings to fixed charges reflects the
combined operations of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas for the period indicated.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The selected financial data presented below is derived from the financial
statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, are
incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1997 and have been restated to include the combined
results of operations and financial position of the Company and McDonnell
Douglas, accounting for the Merger as a pooling of interests. Such restated
financial statements, except those of McDonnell Douglas and its consolidated
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and for each of the two years then ended,
have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, as stated in their reports dated
January 27, 1998 incorporated herein by reference. The consolidated financial
statements of McDonnell Douglas and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and for
each of the two years then ended, consolidated with those of the Company, have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, as stated in their reports incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and the Registration Statement. The information set
forth below should be read in conjunction with such consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto. See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference." The selected financial data as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1994 are derived
from unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company (including the
combined results of the Company and McDonnell Douglas) which, in the opinion of
management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                             1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
OPERATIONS
 
Sales and other operating revenues
  Commercial aircraft.....................  $26,929     $19,916     $17,511     $19,778     $25,120
  Information, space and defense
    systems...............................   18,125      14,934      14,849      14,676      14,090
  Customer and commercial financing,
    other.................................      746         603         600         515         501
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
         Total............................  $45,800     $35,453     $32,960     $34,969     $39,711
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
Net earnings (loss).......................  $  (178)(1) $ 1,818     $   (36)(2) $ 1,483     $ 1,640
  Basic earnings per share(3).............     (.18)       1.88        (.04)       1.50        1.66
  Diluted earnings per share(3)...........     (.18)       1.85        (.04)       1.48        1.64
Cash dividends paid.......................  $   557     $   480     $   434     $   395     $   395
  Per share...............................      .56         .55         .50         .50         .50
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                AT DECEMBER 31,
                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                             1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                            -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
                                                    (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
FINANCIAL POSITION
 
Total assets..............................  $38,024     $37,880     $31,877     $32,259     $31,199
Working capital...........................    5,111       7,783       7,490       6,299       5,108
Net plant and equipment...................    8,391       8,266       7,927       8,399       8,838
Cash and short-term investments...........    5,149       6,352       4,527       3,064       3,194
Total debt................................    6,854       7,489       5,401       5,247       5,840
Shareholders' equity......................   12,953      13,502      12,527      13,173      11,966
  Per share...............................    13.31       13.96       12.80       13.37       12.12
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes an after-tax charge of $876 million relating to the commercial
    aircraft product lines of the former McDonnell Douglas. Such charge does not
    include any costs that might be associated with future decisions regarding
    facilities conversions or consolidations, which decisions will be based on
    long-term business objectives. The Company is continuing to assess potential
    opportunities for improved utilization and consolidation of facilities
    across all parts of the Company.
 
(2) Includes after-tax charges of $1.125 billion relating to the revaluation of
    the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 program inventory and an after-tax charge of
    $390 million relating to a special retirement program.
 
(3) Per share computation excludes outstanding shares held by the ShareValue
    Trust. The ShareValue Trust is a 14-year irrevocable trust that holds the
    Company's common stock, receives dividends and distributes to employees
    appreciation in value above a 3% per annum threshold rate of return.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     In connection with the sale of the Original Debentures, the Company entered
into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Initial Purchasers pursuant to
which the Company agreed to file and to use its best efforts to cause to become
effective with the Commission a registration statement with respect to the
exchange of the Original Debentures for debentures with terms identical in all
material respects to the terms of the Original Debentures. A copy of the
Registration Rights Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.
 
     The Exchange Offer is being made to satisfy the contractual obligations of
the Company under the Registration Rights Agreement. The form and terms of the
Exchange Debentures are the same as the form and terms of the Original
Debentures except that the Exchange Debentures have been registered under the
Securities Act and therefore will not be subject to certain restrictions on
transfer applicable to the Original Debentures and will not provide for any
increase in the interest rate thereon. In that regard, the Original Debentures
provide, among other things, that, if a registration statement relating to the
Exchange Offer has not been filed by June 24, 1998, or if the Exchange Offer is
not consummated by August 24, 1998, the interest rate borne by the Original
Debentures will increase by 0.25% per annum until such registration statement is
filed or the Exchange Offer is consummated, as the case may be. Upon
consummation of the Exchange Offer, holders of Original Debentures will not be
entitled to any increase in the interest rate thereon or any further
registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement, except under
limited circumstances. See "Description of Exchange Debentures."
 
     The Exchange Offer is not being made to, nor will the Company accept
tenders for exchange from, holders of Original Debentures in any jurisdiction in
which the Exchange Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance
with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Debentures for its own account in
exchange for Original Debentures, where such Original Debentures were acquired
by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such Exchange Debentures. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
     Unless the context requires otherwise, the term "holder" with respect to
the Exchange Offer means any person in whose name the Original Debentures are
registered on the books of the Company or any other person who has obtained a
properly completed bond power from the registered holder, or any person whose
Original Debentures are held of record by DTC who desires to deliver such
Original Debentures by book-entry transfer at DTC.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The Company hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Prospectus and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, to
exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchange Debentures
for a like aggregate principal amount of Original Debentures properly tendered
on or prior to the Expiration Date and not properly withdrawn in accordance with
the procedures described below. The Company will issue, promptly after the
Expiration Date, an aggregate principal amount of up to $300,000,000 of Exchange
Debentures in exchange for a like principal amount of outstanding Original
Debentures tendered and accepted in connection with the Exchange Offer. Holders
may tender their Original Debentures in whole or in part in integral multiples
of $1,000 in aggregate principal amount.
 
     The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of
Original Debentures being tendered. As of the date of this Prospectus,
$300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Original Debentures is
outstanding.
 
     Holders of Original Debentures do not have any appraisal or dissenters'
rights in connection with the Exchange Offer. Original Debentures that are not
tendered for or are tendered but not accepted in connection
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
with the Exchange Offer will remain outstanding and will be entitled to the
benefits of the Indenture, but will not be entitled to any further registration
rights under the Registration Rights Agreement, except under limited
circumstances. See "Description of Exchange Debentures."
 
     If any tendered Original Debentures are not accepted for exchange because
of an invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
any other reason, certificates for any such unaccepted Original Debentures will
be returned, without expense, to the tendering holder thereof promptly after the
Expiration Date.
 
     Holders who tender Original Debentures in connection with the Exchange
Offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to
the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to
the exchange of Original Debentures in connection with the Exchange Offer. The
Company will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes
described below, in connection with the Exchange Offer. See "-- Fees and
Expenses."
 
     NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY MAKES ANY
RECOMMENDATION TO HOLDERS OF ORIGINAL DEBENTURES AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR
REFRAIN FROM TENDERING ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THEIR ORIGINAL DEBENTURES PURSUANT
TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER. IN ADDITION, NO ONE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY SUCH
RECOMMENDATION. HOLDERS OF ORIGINAL DEBENTURES MUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS
BASED ON THEIR OWN FINANCIAL POSITION AND REQUIREMENTS WHETHER TO TENDER
PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND, IF SO, WHAT PORTION OF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT
OF THEIR ORIGINAL DEBENTURES TO TENDER.
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS
 
     The term "Expiration Date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
            , 1998, unless the Exchange Offer is extended by the Company (in
which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and time to
which the Exchange Offer is extended).
 
     The Company expressly reserves the right in its sole and absolute
discretion, subject to applicable law, at any time and from time to time, to (i)
delay the acceptance of the Original Debentures for exchange, (ii) terminate the
Exchange Offer (whether or not any Original Debentures have theretofore been
accepted for exchange) if the Company determines, in its sole and absolute
discretion, that any of the events or conditions referred to in "-- Conditions
to the Exchange Offer" have occurred or exist or have not been satisfied, (iii)
extend the Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer and retain all Original
Debentures tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the
right of holders of Original Debentures to withdraw their tendered Original
Debentures as described in "-- Withdrawal Rights," and (iv) waive any condition
or otherwise amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any respect.
 
     If the Exchange Offer is amended in a manner determined by the Company to
constitute a material change, or if the Company waives a material condition of
the Exchange Offer, the Company will promptly disclose such amendment by means
of a Prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the holders of the
Original Debentures, and will extend the Exchange Offer to the extent required
by Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act.
 
     Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be
followed promptly by oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent and by
making a public announcement thereof, and such announcement in the case of an
extension will be made no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next
business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date. Without limiting
the manner in which the Company may choose to make any public announcement and
subject to applicable law, the Company shall have no obligation to publish,
advertise or otherwise communicate any such public announcement other than by
issuing a release to an appropriate news agency.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
ACCEPTANCE FOR EXCHANGE AND ISSUANCE OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company will exchange Exchange Debentures for Original Debentures validly
tendered and not withdrawn (pursuant to the withdrawal rights described in
"-- Withdrawal Rights") promptly after the Expiration Date.
 
     Subject to the conditions set forth in "-- Conditions to the Exchange
Offer," delivery of Exchange Debentures in exchange for Original Debentures
tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made
only after timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of (i) certificates for Original
Debentures or a book-entry confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Original
Debentures into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC, including an Agent's
Message (as defined herein) if the tendering holder does not deliver a Letter of
Transmittal, (ii) a completed and signed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), with any required signature guarantees or, in the case of a book-entry
transfer, an Agent's Message in lieu of the Letter of Transmittal, and (iii) any
other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal. Accordingly, the delivery
of Exchange Debentures might not be made to all tendering holders at the same
time, and will depend on when certificates for Original Debentures, book-entry
confirmations with respect to Original Debentures and other required documents
are received by the Exchange Agent.
 
     The term "book-entry confirmation" means a timely confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of Original Debentures into the Exchange Agent's account at
DTC. See "-- Procedures for Tendering Original Debentures -- Book-Entry
Transfer." The term "Agent's Message" means a message transmitted by DTC to, and
received by, the Exchange Agent, which message forms part of a book-entry
confirmation stating that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the
tendering participant that such participant has received and agrees to be bound
by the Letter of Transmittal and that the Company may enforce such Letter of
Transmittal against such participant.
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, the Company will
be deemed to have accepted for exchange, and thereby have exchanged, Original
Debentures validly tendered and not withdrawn as, if and when the Company gives
oral or written notice to the Exchange Agent of the Company's acceptance of such
Original Debentures for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Exchange
Agent will act as agent for the Company for the purpose of receiving tenders of
Original Debentures, Letters of Transmittal and related documents, and as agent
for tendering holders for the purpose of receiving Original Debentures, Letters
of Transmittal and related documents and transmitting to validly tendering
holders any Exchange Debentures that are not to be held in global form by DTC or
a nominee of DTC. Such exchange will be made promptly after the Expiration Date.
If for any reason whatsoever acceptance for exchange or the exchange of any
Original Debentures tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer is delayed (whether
before or after the Company's acceptance for exchange of Original Debentures) or
the Company extends the Exchange Offer or is unable to accept for exchange or
exchange Original Debentures tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then,
without prejudice to the Company's rights set forth herein, the Exchange Agent
may, nevertheless, on behalf of the Company and subject to Rule 14e-1(c) under
the Exchange Act, retain tendered Original Debentures, which Original Debentures
may not be withdrawn except to the extent tendering holders are entitled to
withdrawal rights as described in "-- Withdrawal Rights."
 
     Pursuant to an Agent's Message or a Letter of Transmittal, a holder of
Original Debentures will represent, warrant and agree in the Letter of
Transmittal that it has full power and authority to tender, exchange, sell,
assign and transfer Original Debentures, that the Company will acquire good,
marketable and unencumbered title to the tendered Original Debentures, free and
clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances, and the Original
Debentures tendered for exchange are not subject to any adverse claims or
proxies. The holder also will warrant and agree that it will, upon request,
execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Company or the
Exchange Agent to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, sale,
assignment and transfer of the Original Debentures tendered pursuant to the
Exchange Offer.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING ORIGINAL DEBENTURES
 
  VALID TENDER
 
     Except as set forth below, in order for Original Debentures to be validly
tendered by book-entry transfer, an Agent's Message or a completed and signed
Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature
guarantees, and in either case any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal, must be delivered to the Exchange Agent by mail, facsimile, hand
delivery or overnight courier at the Exchange Agent's address or facsimile
number set forth in "-- Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date and
either (i) such Original Debentures must be tendered pursuant to the procedures
for book-entry transfer set forth below or (ii) the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth below must be complied with.
 
     Except as set forth below, in order for Original Debentures to be validly
tendered by a means other than book-entry transfer, a completed and signed
Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature
guarantees, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal must
be delivered to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date by mail,
facsimile, hand delivery or overnight courier at the Exchange Agent's address or
facsimile number set forth in "-- Exchange Agent" and either (i) such Original
Debentures must be delivered to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration
Date or (ii) the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below must be complied
with.
 
     If less than all Original Debentures are tendered, a tendering holder
should fill in the amount of Original Debentures being tendered in the
appropriate box on the Letter of Transmittal. The entire amount of Original
Debentures delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered
unless otherwise indicated.
 
     THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES, THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE OPTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE TENDERING HOLDER,
AND DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE
AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS TO BE BY MAIL, THE USE OF REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT
REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, OR AN OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. IN
ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY.
 
  BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
 
     The Exchange Agent and DTC have confirmed that any participant (as defined
herein) in DTC's book-entry transfer facility system may utilize DTC's ATOP
procedures to tender Original Debentures. The Exchange Agent will establish an
account with respect to the Original Debentures at DTC for purposes of the
Exchange Offer within two business days after the date of this Prospectus. Any
Participant may make a book-entry delivery of the Original Debentures by causing
DTC to transfer such Original Debentures into the Exchange Agent's account at
DTC in accordance with DTC's ATOP procedures for transfer. However, although
delivery of Original Debentures may be effected through book-entry transfer into
the Exchange Agent's account at DTC, an Agent's Message or a completed and
signed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature
guarantees and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, must
in any case be delivered to and received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to
the Expiration Date at its address or facsimile number set forth in "-- Exchange
Agent," or the guaranteed delivery procedure set forth below must be complied
with.
 
     DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC IN ACCORDANCE WITH DTC'S PROCEDURES DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
  SIGNATURE GUARANTEES
 
     Certificates for the Original Debentures need not be endorsed and signature
guarantees on the Letter of Transmittal are unnecessary unless (i) a certificate
for the Original Debentures is registered in a name other than that of the
person surrendering the certificate or (ii) such holder completes the sections
entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" in
the Letter of Transmittal. In the case of (i) or
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
(ii) above, such certificates for Original Debentures must be duly endorsed or
accompanied by a properly executed bond power, with the endorsement or signature
on the bond power and on the Letter of Transmittal guaranteed by a firm or other
entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act as an "eligible
guarantor institution," including (as such terms are defined therein): (i) a
bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities broker or dealer or government
securities broker or dealer; (iii) a credit union; (iv) a national securities
exchange, registered securities association or clearing agency; or (v) a savings
association that is a participant in a Securities Transfer Association
recognized program (an "Eligible Institution"), unless surrendered on behalf of
such Eligible Institution. See Instruction 1 to the Letter of Transmittal.
 
  GUARANTEED DELIVERY
 
     If a holder desires to tender Original Debentures pursuant to the Exchange
Offer and the certificates for such Original Debentures are not immediately
available or time will not permit all required documents to reach the Exchange
Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date, or the procedure for book-entry
transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, such Original Debentures may
nevertheless be tendered, provided that all the following guaranteed delivery
procedures are complied with:
 
          (a) such tenders are made by or through an Eligible Institution;
 
          (b) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed
     Delivery, substantially in the form accompanying the Letter of Transmittal,
     is received by the Exchange Agent, as provided below, on or prior to the
     Expiration Date; and
 
          (c) the certificates (or a book-entry confirmation) representing all
     tendered Original Debentures, in proper form for transfer, together with a
     properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
     thereof), with any required signature guarantees and any other documents
     required by the Letter of Transmittal, are received by the Exchange Agent
     within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of
     execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 
     The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted
by facsimile or mail to the Exchange Agent and must include a guarantee by an
Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such notice.
 
     Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the delivery of Exchange
Debentures in exchange for Original Debentures tendered and accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will in all cases be made only after
timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of Original Debentures, or of a book-entry
confirmation with respect to such Original Debentures, and a properly completed
and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), together with
any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by the Letter
of Transmittal. Accordingly, the delivery of Exchange Debentures might not be
made to all tendering holders at the same time, and will depend upon when
Original Debentures, book-entry confirmations with respect to Original
Debentures and other required documents are received by the Exchange Agent.
 
     The Company's acceptance for exchange of Original Debentures tendered
pursuant to any of the procedures described above will constitute a binding
agreement between the tendering holder and the Company upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer.
 
  DETERMINATION OF VALIDITY
 
     All questions as to the form of documents, validity, eligibility (including
time of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tendered Original Debentures
will be determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, which determination
shall be final and binding on all parties. The Company reserves the absolute
right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any and all tenders that
it determines are not in proper form or that, in the opinion of counsel to the
Company, cannot be accepted, or exchanged for, without violating the law. The
Company also reserves the absolute right, subject to applicable law, to waive
any of the conditions of the Exchange Offer as set forth under "-- Conditions to
the Exchange Offer" or any condition or irregularity in any tender of Original
Debentures of any particular holder whether or not similar conditions or
irregularities are waived in the case of other holders.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
     The interpretation by the Company of the terms and conditions of the
Exchange Offer (including the Letter of Transmittal and the instructions
thereto) will be final and binding. No tender of Original Debentures will be
deemed to have been validly made until all irregularities with respect to such
tender have been cured or waived. None of the Company, any affiliates or assigns
of the Company, the Exchange Agent or any other person shall be under any duty
to give any notification of any irregularities in tenders or incur any liability
for failure to give any such notification.
 
     If any Letter of Transmittal, endorsement, bond power, power of attorney,
or any other document required by the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a
trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a
corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity,
such person should so indicate when signing and, unless waived by the Company,
proper evidence satisfactory to the Company, in its sole discretion, of such
person's authority to so act must be submitted.
 
     A beneficial owner of Original Debentures that are held by or registered in
the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee or
custodian is urged to contact such entity promptly if such beneficial holder
wishes to participate in the Exchange Offer.
 
RESALES OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES
 
     The Company is making the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the
staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Commission as set forth in
certain interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other transactions.
However, the Company has not sought its own interpretive letter and there can be
no assurance that the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the
Commission would make a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer
as it has in such interpretive letters to third parties. Based on these
interpretations by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the
Commission, and subject to the two immediately following sentences, the Company
believes that Exchange Debentures issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
exchange for Original Debentures may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise
transferred by a holder thereof (other than a holder which is a broker-dealer)
without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Debentures are
acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and that such holder
is not participating, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate, in a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of
such Exchange Debentures. However, any holder of Original Debentures who is an
"affiliate" of the Company or who intends to participate in the Exchange Offer
for the purpose of distributing Exchange Debentures, or any broker-dealer which
purchased Original Debentures from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A
or any other available exemption under the Securities Act, (i) will not be able
to rely on the interpretations of the staff of the Division of Corporation
Finance of the Commission set forth in the above-mentioned interpretive letters,
(ii) will not be permitted or entitled to tender such Original Debentures in the
Exchange Offer, and (iii) must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any sale or other
transfer of such Original Debentures unless such sale is made pursuant to an
exemption from such requirements. In addition, as described below, if any
broker-dealer holds Original Debentures acquired for its own account as a result
of market-making or other trading activities and exchanges such Original
Debentures for Exchange Debentures, then such broker-dealer must deliver a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
resales of such Exchange Debentures.
 
     Each holder of Original Debentures who wishes to exchange Original
Debentures for Exchange Debentures in the Exchange Offer will be required to
represent that (i) it is not an "affiliate" of the Company, (ii) any Exchange
Debentures to be received by it are being acquired in the ordinary course of its
business, (iii) it has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such
Exchange Debentures, and (iv) if such holder is not a broker-dealer, such holder
is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) of such Exchange Debentures. In addition, the
Company may require such holder, as a condition to such holder's eligibility to
participate in the Exchange Offer, to furnish to the Company (or an agent
thereof) in writing information as to the number of "beneficial owners" (within
the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) on behalf of whom such holder
holds the Debentures to be exchanged in
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
the Exchange Offer. Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Debentures for its
own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it acquired the
Original Debentures for its own account as the result of market-making
activities or other trading activities and must agree that it will deliver a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
resale of such Exchange Debentures. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed
to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Based on the position taken by the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance
of the Commission in the interpretive letters referred to above, the Company
believes that Participating Broker-Dealers which acquired Original Debentures
for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to
the Exchange Debentures received upon exchange of such Original Debentures
(other than Original Debentures that represent an unsold allotment from the
initial sale of the Original Debentures) with a prospectus meeting the
requirements of the Securities Act, which may be the prospectus prepared for an
exchange offer so long as it contains a description of the plan of distribution
with respect to the resale of such Exchange Debentures. Accordingly, this
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a Participating Broker-Dealer during the period referred to below in
connection with resales of Exchange Debentures received in exchange for Original
Debentures where such Original Debentures were acquired by such Participating
Broker-Dealer for its own account as a result of market-making or other trading
activities. Subject to certain provisions set forth in the Registration Rights
Agreement, the Company has agreed that this Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
connection with resales of such Exchange Debentures for the earlier of: (i) a
period ending 180 days after the Expiration Date (subject to extension under
certain limited circumstances described below) and (ii) when all such Exchange
Debentures have been disposed of by such Participating Broker-Dealer. See "Plan
of Distribution."
 
     However, a Participating Broker-Dealer which intends to use this Prospectus
in connection with the resale of Exchange Debentures received in exchange for
Original Debentures pursuant to the Exchange Offer must notify the Company, or
cause the Company to be notified, on or prior to the Expiration Date, that it is
a Participating Broker-Dealer. Such notice may be given in the space provided
for that purpose in the Letter of Transmittal or may be delivered to the
Exchange Agent at the address set forth in "-- Exchange Agent." Any
Participating Broker-Dealer which is an "affiliate" of the Company may not rely
on such interpretive letters and must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
resale transaction.
 
     In such regard, each Participating Broker-Dealer which surrenders Original
Debentures pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be deemed to have agreed, by
execution of the Letter of Transmittal, that upon receipt of notice from the
Company of the occurrence of (i) any event or the discovery of any fact that
makes any statement contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
untrue in any material respect or that causes this Prospectus to omit to state a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained or
incorporated by reference herein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading or (ii) certain other events specified in the
Registration Rights Agreement, such Participating Broker-Dealer will suspend the
use of this Prospectus until the Company has amended or supplemented this
Prospectus to correct such misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of
the amended or supplemented Prospectus to such Participating Broker-Dealer, or
the Company has given notice that the use of this Prospectus may be resumed, as
the case may be. If the Company gives such notice to suspend the use of this
Prospectus, it shall extend the 180-day period referred to above during which
Participating Broker-Dealers are entitled to use this Prospectus in connection
with the resale of Exchange Debentures by the number of days during the period
from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the
date when Participating Broker-Dealers shall have received copies of the amended
or supplemented Prospectus necessary to permit resales of the Exchange
Debentures or to and including the date on which the Company has given notice
that the use of this Prospectus may be resumed, as the case may be.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS
 
     Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Original Debentures may be
withdrawn at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date. In order for a
withdrawal to be effective, a written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile
transmission of such notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the
Exchange Agent at the address or facsimile number set forth in "-- Exchange
Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must
specify the name of the person who tendered the Original Debentures to be
withdrawn, the aggregate principal amount of Original Debentures to be
withdrawn, and (if certificates for such Original Debentures have been tendered)
the name of the registered holder of the Original Debentures as set forth on the
Original Debentures, if different from that of the person who tendered such
Original Debentures. If Original Debentures have been delivered or otherwise
identified to the Exchange Agent, then, prior to the physical release of such
Original Debentures, the tendering holder must submit the serial numbers shown
on the particular Original Debentures to be withdrawn and the signature on the
notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, except in
the case of Original Debentures tendered for the account of an Eligible
Institution. If Original Debentures have been tendered pursuant to the
procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in "-- Procedures for Tendering
Original Debentures," the notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number
of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawal of Original Debentures,
in which case a notice of withdrawal will be effective if delivered to the
Exchange Agent by written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile transmission.
Withdrawals of tenders of Original Debentures may not be rescinded. Original
Debentures properly withdrawn will not be deemed validly tendered for purposes
of the Exchange Offer, but may be retendered at any subsequent time on or prior
to the Expiration Date by following any of the procedures described in
"-- Procedures for Tendering Original Debentures."
 
     All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company, in its
sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties.
None of the Company, any affiliates or assigns of the Company, the Exchange
Agent or any other person shall be under any duty to give any notification of
any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur any liability for
failure to give any such notification. Any Original Debentures that have been
tendered but are withdrawn will be returned to the holder thereof promptly after
withdrawal.
 
INTEREST PAYMENTS ON EXCHANGE DEBENTURES
 
     Holders of Original Debentures which are accepted for exchange will not
receive interest payments on such Original Debentures and will be deemed to have
waived the right to receive any interest payments on such Original Debentures
accumulated from and after February 24, 1998. Accordingly, holders of Exchange
Debentures as of the record date for the payment of interest on August 15, 1998
will be entitled to receive interest accumulated from and after February 24,
1998.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Exchange Offer, or any
extension of the Exchange Offer, the Company will not be required to accept for
exchange, or to exchange, any Original Debentures for any Exchange Debentures,
and, as described below, may terminate the Exchange Offer (whether or not any
Original Debentures have theretofore been accepted for exchange) or may waive
any conditions to or amend the Exchange Offer, if any of the following
conditions has occurred or exist or has not been satisfied:
 
          (a) there shall occur a change in the current interpretation by the
     staff of the Commission which permits the Exchange Debentures issued
     pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Original Debentures to be
     offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof
     (other than broker-dealers and any such holder which is an "affiliate" of
     the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act)
     without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions
     of the Securities Act, provided that such Exchange Debentures are acquired
     in the ordinary course of such holders' business and such holders have no
     arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the
     distribution of such Exchange Debentures;
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
          (b) any law, statute, rule or regulation shall have been adopted or
     enacted that, in the judgment of the Company, would reasonably be expected
     to impair its ability to proceed with the Exchange Offer; or
 
          (c) a stop order shall have been issued by the Commission or any state
     securities authority suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
     Statement, or proceedings shall have been initiated or, to the knowledge of
     the Company, threatened for that purpose, or any governmental approval has
     not been obtained, which approval the Company shall, in its sole
     discretion, deem necessary for the consummation of the Exchange Offer as
     contemplated hereby.
 
     If the Company determines in its sole and absolute discretion that any of
the foregoing events or conditions has occurred or exists or has not been
satisfied, it may, subject to applicable law, terminate the Exchange Offer
(whether or not any Original Debentures have theretofore been accepted for
exchange) or may waive any such condition or otherwise amend the terms of the
Exchange Offer in any respect. If such waiver or amendment constitutes a
material change to the Exchange Offer, the Company will promptly disclose such
waiver or amendment by means of a Prospectus supplement that will be distributed
to the registered holders of the Original Debentures and will extend the
Exchange Offer to the extent required by Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
     The Chase Manhattan Bank has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the
Exchange Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional
copies of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and requests for a
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Exchange Agent addressed
as follows:
 
                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
          By Mail, Hand or Overnight Delivery:                           By Facsimile Transmission:
                The Chase Manhattan Bank                              (For Eligible Institutions Only)
                    55 Water Street                                            (212) 638-7375
                Room 234, North Building
                New York, New York 10041                                   Confirm by Telephone:
               Attention: Carlos Esteves                               Carlos Esteves (212) 638-0828
</TABLE>
 
     Delivery to other than the above address or facsimile number will not
constitute a valid delivery.
 
     The Chase Manhattan Bank also serves as Trustee under the Indenture.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     The Company has agreed to pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary
fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in connection therewith. The Company will also pay brokerage houses and
other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by them in forwarding copies of this Prospectus and related documents
to the beneficial owners of Original Debentures, and in handling or tendering
for their customers.
 
     Holders who tender their Original Debentures for exchange will not be
obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection therewith. If, however,
Exchange Debentures are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of,
any person other than the registered holder of the Original Debentures tendered,
or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of
Original Debentures in connection with the Exchange Offer, then the amount of
any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other
persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of
payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of
Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such
tendering holder.
 
     The Company will not make any payment to brokers, dealers or other nominees
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
CONSEQUENCE OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
     Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary. Holders of the Original
Debentures are urged to consult their financial and tax advisors in making their
own decisions on what action to take.
 
     Original Debentures that are not exchanged for the Exchange Debentures
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will remain "restricted securities" within the
meaning of Rule 144(a)(3)(iv) of the Securities Act. Accordingly, such Original
Debentures may not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred except (i)
to a person whom the seller reasonably believes is a "qualified institutional
buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act in a transaction
meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, (ii) pursuant to an exemption from
registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144 thereunder (if
available), or (iii) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act, in each case in accordance with all other applicable securities
laws. The Company will not have any further obligation to holders of Original
Debentures (other than under certain limited circumstances) to provide for
registration under the Securities Act of the Original Debentures held by them.
To the extent that Original Debentures are tendered and accepted in the Exchange
Offer, a holder's ability to sell untendered Original Debentures could be
adversely affected. The Company may in the future seek to acquire untendered
Original Debentures in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions,
through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. The Company has no present plan
to acquire any Original Debentures that are not tendered in the Exchange Offer.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     For accounting purposes, the Company will recognize no gain or loss as a
result of the Exchange Offer. The expenses of the Exchange Offer will be
amortized over the remaining term of the Debentures.
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES
 
     The terms of the Exchange Debentures are identical in all material respects
to the Original Debentures, except that the Exchange Debentures (i) have been
registered under the Securities Act, are not subject to the same restrictions on
transfer and are not entitled to any rights under the Registration Rights
Agreement and (ii) will not provide for any increase in the interest rate
thereon. The Original Debentures provide that, in the event that, among other
things, (a) a registration statement relating to the Exchange Offer has not been
filed by June 24, 1998, (b) the Exchange Offer is not consummated by August 24,
1998, or (c) in certain limited circumstances, a shelf registration statement
with respect to the resale of the Original Debentures is not filed and declared
effective by the respective times required by the Registration Rights Agreement,
then liquidated damages will accrue at the rate of 0.25% per annum on the
principal amount of the Original Debentures for the period from the occurrence
of such event until such time as such registration statement has been filed or
declared effective or the Exchange Offer is consummated, as the case may be.
These rights will terminate upon consummation of the Exchange Offer, except in
limited circumstances. The Exchange Debentures are not, and upon consummation of
the Exchange Offer the Original Debentures will not be (except in certain
limited circumstances), entitled to any such additional interest.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Exchange Debentures will be, and the Original Debentures were, issued
under an Indenture, dated as of August 15, 1991, between the Company and The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, a copy of which is available upon request to
the Company. The following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does
not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by
reference to, all provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions therein
of certain terms. The section references below are to provisions of the
Indenture. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this section of
the Prospectus are as defined in the Indenture, and certain capitalized terms
defined herein are more fully defined in the Indenture.
 
     The Exchange Debentures will be limited to $300,000,000 aggregate principal
amount and will mature on February 15, 2038. Each Exchange Debenture will bear
interest at the rate of 6 5/8% per annum from February 24, 1998 or from the most
recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
provided for, payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing
August 15, 1998, to the person in whose name the Exchange Debenture (or any
predecessor Exchange Debenture) is registered at the close of business on the
February 1 or August 1, as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment
Date. Interest on the Exchange Debentures will be calculated on the basis of a
360-day year consisting of 12 months of 30 days each.
 
     Principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Exchange
Debentures will be payable, and transfers of the Exchange Debentures will be
registrable, at the office of the Trustee in the Borough of Manhattan, City of
New York, provided that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be
made by mailing a check for such interest, payable to or upon the written order
of the Person entitled thereto, to the address of such Person as it appears in
the Security Register. (Sections 301, 305 and 1001)
 
     The Exchange Debentures will be issued only in fully registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.
(Section 302) No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or
exchange of Exchange Debentures, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection
therewith. (Section 305)
 
     The Indenture does not limit the amount of unsecured debentures, notes or
other evidences of indebtedness that may be issued thereunder (such securities
issued under the Indenture being herein referred to as "Debt Securities"). The
Indenture provides that Debt Securities may be issued from time to time in one
or more series. All Debt Securities, including the Exchange Debentures and any
remaining Original Debentures, will be unsecured obligations of the Company.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     The Exchange Debentures are redeemable in whole or in part, at the option
of the Company at any time and from time to time, on not less than 30 or more
than 60 days' notice mailed to holders thereof, at a redemption price equal to
the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Exchange Debentures to be
redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the Remaining Scheduled
Payments thereon discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis
(assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury
Rate plus 15 basis points, together, in either case, with accrued interest on
the principal amount being redeemed to the date of redemption.
 
     "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per
annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity (computed as of the
second business day immediately preceding such redemption date) of the
Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable
Treasury Price for such redemption date.
 
     "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker that would be utilized, at the time
of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new
issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term
of the Exchange Debentures. "Independent Investment Banker" means one of the
Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Company.
 
     "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (i)
the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third
business day preceding such redemption date, as set forth in the daily
statistical release (or any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York and designated "Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S.
Government Securities" or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not
published or does not contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average
of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after
excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations,
or (b) if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, the average of all such Quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any
redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked
prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage
of its
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury
Dealer as of 3:30 p.m., New York time, on the third business day preceding such
redemption date.
 
     "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their
respective successors and three other nationally recognized investment banking
firms that are Primary Treasury Dealers specified from time to time by the
Company; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a
primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury
Dealer"), the Company shall substitute therefor another nationally recognized
investment banking firm that is a Primary Treasury Dealer.
 
     "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means, with respect to each Exchange
Debenture to be redeemed, the remaining scheduled payments of the principal
thereof and interest thereon that would be due after the related redemption date
but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if such redemption date is not
an interest payment date with respect to such Exchange Debenture, the amount of
the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon will be reduced by the
amount of interest accrued thereon to such redemption date.
 
     On and after any redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the
Exchange Debentures or any portion thereof called for redemption. On or before
any redemption date, the Company shall deposit with a paying agent (or the
Trustee) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on
the Exchange Debentures to be redeemed on such date. If less than all the
Exchange Debentures are to be redeemed, the Exchange Debentures to be redeemed
shall be selected by the Trustee by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair
and appropriate in accordance with methods generally used at the time of
selection by fiduciaries in similar circumstances.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     "Subsidiary" of the Company means a corporation more than 50% of the
outstanding voting stock of which is owned by the Company and/or one or more
Subsidiaries. "Principal Property" means any manufacturing plant located within
the United States owned by the Company or a Subsidiary, excluding, however, (i)
certain types of personal property and equipment, (ii) property financed through
tax-exempt state or municipal securities, (iii) any real property held for
development or sale, and (iv) any property, the gross book value of which
(without deduction of depreciation reserves) is less than 15% of Consolidated
Net Tangible Assets or which the Board of Directors of the Company determines is
not material to the operation of the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole. "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the
aggregate amount at which assets of the Company and all Subsidiaries are
reflected on the asset side of the consolidated balance sheet after deducting
(a) all related depreciation, amortization and other valuation reserves, (b)
goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and
expenses and other like intangibles, (c) capital lease property rights, and (d)
all current liabilities on the balance sheet. (Section 101)
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIENS
 
     The Indenture provides that if the Company or any Subsidiary shall issue,
assume or guarantee any evidence of indebtedness for money borrowed
("Indebtedness") secured by a mortgage, security interest, pledge or lien
("Mortgage") on any Principal Property, or shares of stock or Indebtedness of
any Subsidiary, the Company will secure or cause such Subsidiary to secure the
Debt Securities equally and ratably with such secured Indebtedness, unless the
aggregate amount of all such secured Indebtedness, together with all
attributable debt (as defined in the Indenture) with respect to sale and
leaseback transactions involving Principal Properties (with the exception of
such transactions that are excluded as described in "-- Limitations on Sale and
Leaseback Transactions" below), would not at the time of such issuance,
assumption or guarantee of secured Indebtedness exceed 15% of Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets. (Section 1004)
 
     Such limitation will not apply to Indebtedness secured by (i) Mortgages on
any property existing at the date of the Indenture or at the time of acquisition
by the Company or a Subsidiary (including acquisition through merger or
consolidation), (ii) Mortgages on property of any corporation existing at the
time such corporation becomes a Subsidiary, (iii) Mortgages securing
Indebtedness of a Subsidiary to the Company or
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
to another Subsidiary, (iv) purchase money and construction Mortgages entered
into within specified time limits, (v) mechanics' liens, tax liens, liens in
favor of and to secure progress, advance or other payments or the acquisition of
real or personal property from any governmental body pursuant to contract or
provision of statute, any other liens, charges and encumbrances incidental to
construction, conduct of business or ownership of property of the Company or any
Subsidiary that were not incurred in connection with borrowing money, obtaining
advances or credits or the acquisition of property and in the aggregate do not
materially impair use of any Principal Property or that are being contested in
good faith, or (vi) any extension, renewal or replacement of any of the
aforementioned Mortgages not in excess of the principal amount of such
Indebtedness plus the fee incurred in connection with such transaction. (Section
1004)
 
LIMITATIONS ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
 
     The Indenture provides that neither the Company nor any Subsidiary may
enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving any Principal Property
unless the aggregate amount of all attributable debt (as defined in the
Indenture) with respect to such transactions plus all Indebtedness secured by
Mortgages on Principal Properties (with the exception of secured Indebtedness
that is excluded as described in "-- Limitations on Liens" above) would not at
the time of such sale and leaseback transaction exceed 15% of Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets.
 
     Such limitation will not apply to any sale and leaseback transaction if (i)
the lease is for a period of not more than three years, (ii) the purchaser's
commitment is obtained within a specified period after the acquisition,
construction or placing in service of the Principal Property, (iii) the rent
payable pursuant to such lease is to be reimbursed under a contract with the
United States Government or any instrumentality or agency thereof, (iv) the
transaction is between the Company and a Subsidiary or between Subsidiaries, (v)
the Company or such Subsidiary would be entitled, as described in
"-- Limitations on Liens" above, to mortgage such Principal Property without
equally and ratably securing the Debt Securities, or (vi) the Company or such
Subsidiary, within 180 days after the effective date of the transaction, applies
to the retirement of Debt Securities or other Indebtedness of the Company or a
Subsidiary an amount equal to (a) either (1) the lesser of the net proceeds of
the sale or transfer or the book value at the date of such sale or transfer of
the Principal Property leased, if the transaction is for cash, or (2) the fair
market value of the Principal Property leased, if the transaction is for other
than cash, minus (b) the amount equal to the principal amount of Debt Securities
delivered to the Trustee within such 180 days for cancellation and the principal
amount of Indebtedness voluntarily retired within such 180 days. (Section 1005)
 
DEFEASANCE
 
     Defeasance and Discharge.  The Indenture and the terms of the Debentures
provide that the Company will be discharged from any and all obligations in
respect of the Debentures (except for certain obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of Debentures, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated
Debentures, to maintain paying agencies and to hold monies for payment in trust)
upon the deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government
Obligations that through the payment of interest and principal in respect
thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of
interest on the Debentures on the Stated Maturity of such payments in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture and the Debentures. In the event of any such
defeasance and discharge of the Debentures, holders of Debentures would be able
to look only to such trust fund for payment of principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest, if any, on their Debentures until maturity. Such defeasance
and discharge may be treated as a taxable exchange of the Debentures for an
issue of obligations of the trust or a direct interest in the cash and
securities held in the trust. In that case holders of the Debentures would
recognize gain or loss as if the trust obligations or the cash or securities
deposited, as the case may be, had actually been received by them in exchange
for their Debentures. Such holders thereafter might be required to include in
income a different amount than would be includable in the absence of defeasance
and discharge. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors
as to the specific consequences of defeasance and discharge. (Sections 403 and
405)
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
     Defeasance of Certain Obligations.  The Indenture and the terms of the
Debentures provide that the Company may omit to comply with the restrictive
covenants in Sections 1004 (Limitations on Liens) and 1005 (Limitations on Sale
and Leaseback Transactions) of the Indenture, and any such omission shall not be
an Event of Default with respect to the Debentures, upon the deposit with the
Trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations that through the
payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their
terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of (and
premium, if any) and each installment of interest on the Debentures on the
Stated Maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the Indenture
and the Debentures. The obligations of the Company under the Indenture and the
Debentures other than with respect to the covenants referred to above and the
Events of Default other than the Event of Default referred to above shall remain
in full force and effect. Such a trust may only be established if, among other
things, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel (who may
be an employee of or counsel for the Company) to the effect that the holders of
the Debentures will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner
and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance
had not occurred. (Sections 404 and 405)
 
     Defeasance and Certain Other Events of Default.  In the event the Company
exercises its option to omit compliance with certain covenants of the Indenture
with respect to the Debentures as described above and the Debentures are
declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any Event of Default other
than the Event of Default described in clause (iii) under "-- Events of Default"
below with respect to Sections 1004 and 1005, the amount of money and U.S.
Government Obligations on deposit with the Trustee will be sufficient to pay
amounts due on the Debentures at the time of their Stated Maturity but may not
be sufficient to pay amounts due on the Debentures at the time of the
acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. The Company shall, however,
remain liable for such payments.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The following are Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to the
Debentures: (i) failure to pay principal of (or premium, if any, on) any
Debenture when due; (ii) failure to pay any interest on any Debenture when due,
continued for 30 days; (iii) failure to perform any other covenant of the
Company in the Indenture (other than a covenant included in the Indenture solely
for the benefit of a series of Debt Securities other than the Debentures),
continued for 90 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture; and
(iv) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. (Section 501)
If an Event of Default with respect to the Debentures occurs and is continuing,
either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Debentures may declare the principal amount of all the Debentures to
be due and payable immediately. At any time after a declaration of acceleration
with respect to the Debentures has been made, but before a judgment or decree
based on acceleration has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Debentures may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration. (Section 502)
 
     The Indenture provides that the Trustee will be under no obligation,
subject to the duty of the Trustee during default to act with the required
standard of care, to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at
the request or direction of any of the holders of the Debentures, unless such
holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 603)
Subject to such provisions for indemnification of the Trustee, the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures will have the right
to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on
the Trustee with respect to the Debentures, provided that the direction does not
conflict with the law or the Indenture, does not unduly prejudice the rights of
holders not taking part in the direction and does not involve the Trustee in
personal liability. (Section 512)
 
     The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as
to the performance by the Company of certain of its obligations under the
Indenture and as to any default in such performance. (Section 704)
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
 
     Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company
and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by such
modification or amendment; provided, however, that no such modification or
amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each Outstanding Debt
Security affected thereby, (i) extend the stated maturity date of the principal
of (or premium, if any, on), or any installment of principal of or interest on,
any Debt Security, (ii) reduce the principal amount of (or the premium, if any),
or interest on, any Debt Security, (iii) reduce the amount of principal of an
Original Issue Discount Security payable upon acceleration of the Maturity
thereof, (iv) in the case of any Debt Security denominated in U.S. dollars,
change the place or currency of payment of principal (or premium, if any) or
interest on such Debt Security, (v) impair the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any Debt Security, or (vi)
reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities of any
series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or amendment
of the Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of the
Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults. (Section 902)
 
     The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures
may on behalf of the holders of all Debentures waive compliance by the Company
with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture (including the restrictive
covenants in Sections 1004 and 1005). (Section 1006) The holders of a majority
in principal amount of the Outstanding Debentures may on behalf of the holders
of all Debentures waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to the
Debentures, except a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if
any) or interest on any Debenture or in respect of a provision that under the
Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of
each Debenture affected. (Section 513)
 
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND TRANSFER OF ASSETS
 
     The Company, without the consent of any holders of Outstanding Debentures,
may consolidate or merge with or into, or transfer or lease substantially all
its assets to, any corporation, provided that the Company is the surviving
corporation, or the successor corporation is organized under the laws of any
United States jurisdiction and assumes the Company's obligations on the
Debentures and under the Indenture, and that after giving effect to the
transaction no Event of Default, and no event that, after notice or lapse of
time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be
continuing. (Section 801)
 
     The covenants contained in the Indenture and the Debentures would not
necessarily afford holders of the Debentures protection in the event of a highly
leveraged or other transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect
such holders.
 
REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Trustee maintains an office at 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, New
York for the transfer, exchange, redemption and payment of principal of and
interest on the Exchange Debentures and the Original Debentures. The Trustee is
the indenture trustee for the Company's 8 3/4% Debentures Due 2021, 8 3/4%
Debentures Due 2031, 8.10% Debentures Due 2006, 8 5/8% Debentures Due 2031,
7.95% Debentures Due 2024, 7 7/8% Notes Due 2043, 6.35% Notes Due 2003, 7 1/4%
Notes Due 2025, 6 7/8% Notes Due 2043 and 7.50% Notes Due 2042. The Trustee is
also the indenture trustee for the following debt securities of Boeing North
American, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company: 8 7/8% Notes Due 1999,
8 3/8% Notes Due 2001, 6 3/4% Notes Due 2002, 7 7/8% Notes Due 2005 and 6 5/8%
Notes Due 2005.
 
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
 
     The Exchange Debentures will be issued in fully registered form without
interest coupons. The Exchange Debentures will be represented by a permanent
global Exchange Debenture or Debentures in definitive, fully registered form
without interest coupons (the "Global Exchange Debentures") and will be
deposited with the Trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of a
nominee of DTC. The Global Exchange
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
Debentures will be subject to certain restrictions on transfer set forth therein
and will bear a legend regarding such restrictions.
 
     Upon the issuance of the Global Exchange Debentures in exchange for the
Original Debentures pursuant to the Exchange Offer, DTC will credit, on its
internal system, the respective principal amounts of the individual beneficial
interests represented by such Global Exchange Debentures to the accounts of the
persons who surrendered Original Debentures for exchange. Ownership of
beneficial interests in the Global Exchange Debentures will be limited to
persons who have accounts with DTC ("participants") or persons who hold
interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in the Global
Exchange Debentures will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be
effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to
interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to
interests of persons other than participants). Investors may hold their
interests in the Global Exchange Debentures directly through DTC if they are
participants in such system, or indirectly through organizations which are
participants in such system.
 
     So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of the
Global Exchange Debentures, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the Exchange Debentures represented by
such Global Exchange Debentures for all purposes under the Indenture and the
Exchange Debentures. No beneficial owner of an interest in the Global Exchange
Debentures will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with
DTC's applicable procedures, in addition to those provided for under the
Indenture.
 
     Payments of principal of, and interest on, the Global Exchange Debentures
will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner
thereof. None of the Company, the Trustee or any Paying Agent will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global
Exchange Debentures or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficiary ownership interests.
 
     The Company expects that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of
principal or interest in respect of the Global Exchange Debentures, will credit
participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Global Exchange
Debentures as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. The Company also
expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such
Global Exchange Debentures held through such participants will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with
securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of
nominees for such customers. Such payments will be the responsibility of such
participants.
 
     Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way
in accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same-day funds.
 
     DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of Exchange Debentures (including the presentation of Exchange
Debentures for exchange as described below) only at the direction of one or more
participants to whose account the DTC interests in the Global Exchange
Debentures are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate
principal amount of Exchange Debentures as to which such participant or
participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of
Default under the Exchange Debentures, DTC will exchange the Global Exchange
Debentures for certificated Exchange Debentures that it will distribute to its
participants.
 
     DTC has advised the Company as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a "banking
organization" within the meaning of New York Banking Law, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
Uniform Commercial Code and a "Clearing Agency" registered pursuant to the
provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry
changes in accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and certain other
organiza-
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
tions. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to others such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly ("indirect
participants").
 
     Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate
transfers of interests in the Global Debentures among participants of DTC, DTC
is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and
such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither the Company nor the
Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its
participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the
rules and procedures governing their respective operations.
 
CERTIFICATED EXCHANGE DEBENTURES
 
     If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as a depository for
the Global Exchange Debentures and a successor depository is not appointed by
the Company within 90 days, the Company will issue certificated Exchange
Debentures in exchange for the Global Exchange Debentures.
 
                    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     The following discussion, which was prepared by Perkins Coie, special tax
counsel to the Company, summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the exchange of the Original Debentures for the Exchange
Debentures pursuant to the Exchange Offer. This discussion is based on
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative
history, judicial authority, current administrative rulings and practice, and
existing and proposed Treasury Regulations, all as in effect and existing on the
date hereof. Legislative, judicial or administrative changes or interpretations
after the date hereof could alter or modify the validity of this discussion and
the conclusions set forth below. Any such changes or interpretations may be
retroactive and could adversely affect a holder of the Original Debentures or
the Exchange Debentures.
 
     This discussion does not purport to deal with all aspects of U.S. federal
income taxation that might be relevant to particular holders in light of their
personal investment or tax circumstances or status, nor does it discuss the U.S.
federal income tax consequences to certain types of holders subject to special
treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as certain financial
institutions, insurance companies, dealers in securities or foreign currency,
tax-exempt organizations, foreign corporations or nonresident alien individuals,
or persons holding Original Debentures or Exchange Debentures that are a hedge
against, or that are hedged against, currency risk or that are part of a
straddle or conversion transaction, or persons whose functional currency is not
the United States dollar. Moreover, the effect of any state, local or foreign
tax laws is not discussed.
 
     THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. EACH HOLDER OF AN
ORIGINAL DEBENTURE THAT IS PARTICIPATING IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS STRONGLY URGED
TO CONSULT WITH ITS OWN TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE IMPACT OF SUCH HOLDER'S
PARTICULAR TAX SITUATION ON THE ANTICIPATED TAX CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAX LAWS, OF THE EXCHANGE OF
THE ORIGINAL DEBENTURES FOR THE EXCHANGE DEBENTURES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE
OFFER.
 
EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The exchange of the Original Debentures by any holder for the Exchange
Debentures pursuant to the Exchange Offer should not be treated as an "exchange"
for federal income tax purposes because the Exchange Debentures should not be
considered to differ materially in kind or extent from the Original Debentures.
Rather, the Exchange Debentures received by any holder should be treated as a
continuation of the Original Debentures in the hands of such holder. As a
result, there should be no federal income tax consequences to holders exchanging
the Original Debentures for the Exchange Debentures pursuant to the Exchange
Offer, and the federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the
Exchange Debentures should be the
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
same as the federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the
Original Debentures. Accordingly, a holder's adjusted tax basis in the Exchange
Debentures will be the same as its adjusted tax basis in the Original Debentures
exchanged therefor and its holding period for the Original Debentures will be
included in its holding period for the Exchange Debentures. Thus, the
determination of gain on a sale or other disposition of the Exchange Debentures
will be the same as for the Original Debentures.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Debentures for its own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Debentures. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Debentures received in
exchange for Original Debentures where such Original Debentures were acquired by
such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities. The Company has agreed that, for a period starting on the Expiration
Date and ending on the close of business on the 180th day following the
Expiration Date, it will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. In
addition, until             , 1998, all dealers effecting transactions in the
Exchange Debentures may be required to deliver a prospectus.
 
     The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange
Debentures by broker-dealers. Exchange Debentures received by broker-dealers for
their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time
in one or more transactions, in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Debentures or a
combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time
of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through
brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or
concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such
Exchange Debentures. Any broker-dealer that resells Exchange Debentures that
were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any
broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Debentures
may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act
and any profit of any such resale of Exchange Debentures and any commissions or
concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by
acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-
dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act.
 
     For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, the Company will
promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents
in the Letter of Transmittal. The Company has agreed to pay all fees and
expenses incident to the Exchange Offer and will indemnify the holders of the
Debentures (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Exchange Debentures will be passed upon for the Company
by Theodore J. Collins, Esq., Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the
Company, who will rely on Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, Washington, as to certain
matters. As of May 12, 1998, Mr. Collins held 35,944 shares, and options to
acquire 178,870 shares, of common stock of the Company. Additionally, Mr.
Collins has the right, under certain circumstances, to receive 12,058.59 shares
of common stock of the Company pursuant to the Company's Incentive Compensation
Plan for Officers and Employees and, under certain circumstances, to receive
28,573 shares of common stock pursuant to the Company's 1997 Incentive Stock
Plan for Employees. Certain matters relating to U.S. federal income tax
considerations will be passed upon for the Company by Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle,
Washington.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements and related schedule of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, except those of McDonnell
Douglas and its consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and for each
of the two years then ended, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and
the Registration Statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP as stated
in their reports dated January 27, 1998 included and incorporated by reference
in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997. The consolidated financial statements of McDonnell Douglas and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and for each of the two years then ended,
consolidated with those of the Company, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
as stated in their reports incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the
Registration Statement. Such financial statements of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries are incorporated by reference herein and in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the respective reports of such firms
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. All of the
foregoing firms are independent auditors.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
======================================================
 
     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE
OFFER, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THOSE TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN
OFFER OR A SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE CREATE
AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE
THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking
  Information.........................    4
Available Information.................    4
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference...........................    5
Prospectus Summary....................    6
Use of Proceeds.......................   12
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges...   12
Selected Financial Data...............   13
The Exchange Offer....................   14
Description of Exchange Debentures....   23
Certain Federal Income Tax
  Consequences........................   30
Plan of Distribution..................   31
Legal Matters.........................   31
Experts...............................   32
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
             ======================================================
======================================================
 
                               The Boeing Company
                            ------------------------
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
 
  6 5/8% Debentures due February 15, 2038 which have been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933 for any and all of its outstanding 6 5/8% Debentures due
                      February 15, 2038 which were issued
                        and sold in a transaction exempt
                          from registration under the
                             Securities Act of 1933
                              --------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              --------------------
                                           , 1998
 
======================================================
<PAGE>   35
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law reads as follows:
 
     INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS; INSURANCE.
(a) A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The
termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement,
conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of
itself, create a presumption that he did not act in good faith and in a manner
which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
 
     (b) A corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be
liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of
Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine
upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all
the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court
shall deem proper.
 
     (c) To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a
corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this
section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be
indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection therewith.
 
     (d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section
(unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized
in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director,
officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the
applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this
section. Such determination shall be made (1) by a majority vote of the
directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though
less than a quorum, or (2) if there are no such directors, or if such directors
so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the
stockholders.
 
     (e) Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director
in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit
or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition
of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately
be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as
authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees)
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   36
 
incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and
conditions, if any, as the board of directors deems appropriate.
 
     (f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive
of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of
expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity
and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
 
     (g) A corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance
on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under this section.
 
     (h) For purposes of this section, references to "the corporation" shall
include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation
(including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or
merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and
authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving
corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its
separate existence had continued.
 
     (i) For purposes of this section, references to "other enterprises" shall
include employee benefit plans; references to "fines" shall include any excise
taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and
references to "serving at the request of the corporation" shall include any
service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which
imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or
agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or
beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries
of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner "not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation" as referred to in this
section.
 
     (j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or
ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person.
 
     (k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to
hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification
brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders
or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily
determine a corporation's obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys'
fees).
 
     Article VII, Section 4 of the registrant's By-Laws provides as follows:
 
     Section 4. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
 
     4.1  Right to Indemnification.  Each person who was or is made a party or
is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including, without
limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit, or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative
(hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a
director or officer of the Corporation or that, being or having been such a
director or officer or an employee of the Corporation, he or she is or was
serving at the request of an executive officer of the Corporation as a director,
officer, employee, or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise, including service with respect to an
employee benefit plan (hereinafter an "indemnitee"), whether the basis of such
proceeding is alleged action in
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   37
 
an official capacity as such a director, officer, employee, or agent or in any
other capacity while serving as such a director, officer, employee, or agent,
shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the full extent
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent
that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification
rights than permitted prior thereto), or by other applicable law as then in
effect, against all expense, liability, and loss (including attorneys' fees,
judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, and amounts paid in
settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in
connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee
who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to
the benefit of the indemnitee's heirs, executors, and administrators; provided,
however, that except as provided in Section 4.2 with respect to proceedings
seeking to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify
any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated
by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or
ratified by the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The right to
indemnification conferred in this Section 4.1 shall be a contract right and
shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in
defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter
an "advancement of expenses"); provided, however, that an advancement of
expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or
officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by
such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit
plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking
(hereinafter an "undertaking"), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all
amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial
decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is
not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under this Section 4.1 or
otherwise; and provided, further, that an advancement of expenses shall not be
made if the Corporation's Board of Directors makes a good faith determination
that such payment would violate law or public policy.
 
     4.2  Right of Indemnitee to Bring Suit.  If a claim under Section 4.1 is
not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty days after a written claim has
been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an
advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty
days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the
Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or
in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an
advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee
shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such
suit. The indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to indemnification under
this Section 4 upon submission of a written claim (and, in an action brought to
enforce a claim for an advancement of expenses, where the required undertaking
has been tendered to the Corporation), and thereafter the Corporation shall have
the burden of proof to overcome the presumption that the indemnitee is not so
entitled. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of
Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a
determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the
indemnitee is proper in the circumstances, nor an actual determination by the
Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its
stockholders) that the indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification shall be a
defense to the suit or create a presumption that the indemnitee is not so
entitled.
 
     4.3  Nonexclusivity of Rights.  The rights to indemnification and to the
advancement of expenses conferred in this Section 4 shall not be exclusive of
any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any
statute, provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws, agreement,
vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. Notwithstanding
any amendment to or repeal of this Section 4, or of any of the procedures
established by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 4.7, any indemnitee
shall be entitled to indemnification in accordance with the provisions hereof
and thereof with respect to any acts or omissions of such indemnitee occurring
prior to such amendment or repeal.
 
     4.4  Insurance, Contracts, and Funding.  The Corporation may maintain
insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer,
employee, or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise against any expense, liability, or loss,
whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person
against such expense, liability, or loss under the
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   38
 
Delaware General Corporation Law. The Corporation may, without further
stockholder approval, enter into contracts with any indemnitee in furtherance of
the provisions of this Section 4 and may create a trust fund, grant a security
interest, or use other means (including, without limitation, a letter of credit)
to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect
indemnification as provided in this Section 4.
 
     4.5  Persons Serving Other Entities.  Any person who is or was a director,
officer, or employee of the Corporation and who is or was serving (i) as a
director or officer of another corporation of which a majority of the shares
entitled to vote in the election of its directors is held by the Corporation or
(ii) in an executive or management capacity in a partnership, joint venture,
trust, or other enterprise of which the Corporation or a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Corporation is a general partner or has a majority ownership shall be
deemed to be so serving at the request of an executive officer of the
Corporation and entitled to indemnification and advancement of expenses under
Section 4.1.
 
     4.6  Indemnification of Employees and Agents of the Corporation.  The
Corporation may, by action of its Board of Directors, authorize one or more
executive officers to grant rights to advancement of expenses to employees or
agents of the Corporation on such terms and conditions as such officer or
officers deem appropriate under the circumstances. The Corporation may, by
action of its Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and
advancement of expenses to employees or agents or groups of employees or agents
of the Corporation with the same scope and effect as the provisions of this
Section 4 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of
directors and officers of the Corporation; provided, however, that an
undertaking shall be made by an employee or agent only if required by the Board
of Directors.
 
     4.7  Procedures for the Submission of Claims.  The Board of Directors may
establish reasonable procedures for the submission of claims for indemnification
pursuant to this Section 4, determination of the entitlement of any person
thereto, and review of any such determination. Such procedures shall be set
forth in an appendix to these By-Laws and shall be deemed for all purposes to be
a part thereof.
 
     Officers and directors of the registrant are covered by insurance that
(with certain exceptions and within certain limitations) indemnifies them
against losses and liabilities arising from any breach of duty, neglect, error,
misstatement, misleading statement, act or omission by the directors or officers
in their respective capacities as such.
 
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     (a) EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
        <C>     <S>
         4.1    Indenture, dated as of August 15, 1991, between the
                Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
                (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the registrant's
                Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-442) dated August 27,
                1991)*
         4.2    Form of 6 5/8% Exchange Debentures due February 15, 2038
         4.3    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 19, 1998,
                between the registrant and Credit Suisse First Boston
                Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                Incorporated
         5.1    Opinion and Consent of Theodore J. Collins, Esq., Senior
                Vice President and General Counsel to The Boeing Company, as
                to legality of the Exchange Debentures issued by The Boeing
                Company
         8.1    Opinion and Consent of Perkins Coie LLP, special tax
                counsel, as to certain federal income tax matters
        12.1    Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
                (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12 to the registrant's
                Annual Report on Form 10-K (file No. 1-442) for the year
                ended December 31, 1997)*
        23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
        23.2    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
        23.3    Consent of Theodore J. Collins, Esq. (included in Exhibit
                5.1)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   39
<TABLE>
        <C>     <S>
        23.4    Consent of Perkins Coie (included in Exhibit 8.1)
        24.1    Power of Attorney (contained on signature page)
        25.1    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Chase Manhattan
                Bank to act as trustee under the Indenture
        99.1    Form of Letter of Transmittal
        99.2    Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
        99.3    Form of Exchange Agent Agreement
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Previously filed.
 
     (b) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     All schedules are omitted because they are inapplicable or the requested
information is shown in the consolidated financial statements of the registrant
or related notes thereto.
 
ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act") (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee
benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act),
that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form S-4, within one business day of receipt
of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   40
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Seattle,
State of Washington, on the 13th day of May, 1998.
 
                                          THE BOEING COMPANY
 
                                          By: /s/ PHILIP M. CONDIT
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Philip M. Condit, Chairman of the
                                              Board and
                                              Chief Executive Officer
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     Each person whose individual signature appears below hereby authorizes and
appoints Philip M. Condit and Boyd E. Givan, and each of them, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution and full power to act without the other, as
his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent to act in his or her name,
place and stead and to execute in the name and on behalf of each person,
individually and in each capacity stated below, and to file, any and all
amendments to this Registration Statement, including any and all post-effective
amendments, and any registration statement relating to the same offering as this
Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing, ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact
and agents or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated below on the 13th day of May, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
                     ---------                                             -----
<S>                                                  <C>
 
               /s/ PHILIP M. CONDIT                  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
- ---------------------------------------------------            (Principal Executive Officer)
                 Philip M. Condit
 
             /s/ HARRY C. STONECIPHER                  President, Chief Operating Officer, Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
               Harry C. Stonecipher
 
                 /s/ BOYD E. GIVAN                   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
- ---------------------------------------------------    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
                   Boyd E. Givan
 
                                                                         Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                   John H. Biggs
 
                /s/ JOHN E. BRYSON                                       Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                  John E. Bryson
 
             /s/ KENNETH M. DUBERSTEIN                                   Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
               Kenneth M. Duberstein
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   41
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
                     ---------                                             -----
<S>                                                  <C>
                 /s/ JOHN B. FERY                                        Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                   John B. Fery
 
                 /s/ PAUL E. GRAY                                        Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                   Paul E. Gray
 
               /s/ JOHN F. MCDONNELL                                     Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 John F. McDonnell
 
                                                                         Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                 William J. Perry
 
                                                                         Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                Donald E. Peterson
 
                                                                         Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                Charles M. Piggott
 
              /s/ ROZANNE L. RIDGWAY                                     Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
                Rozanne L. Ridgway
 
                                                                         Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
               George H. Weyerhauser
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   42
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT                            DESCRIPTION
- -------                            -----------
<C>        <S>                                                           <C>
  4.1      Indenture, dated as of August 15, 1991, between the
           Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the registrant's
           Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-442) dated August 27,
           1991)*
  4.2      Form of 6 5/8% Exchange Debentures due February 15, 2038
  4.3      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 19, 1998,
           between the registrant and Credit Suisse First Boston
           Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
           Incorporated
  5.1      Opinion and Consent of Theodore J. Collins, Esq., Senior
           Vice President and General Counsel to The Boeing Company, as
           to legality of the Exchange Debentures issued by The Boeing
           Company
  8.1      Opinion and Consent of Perkins Coie LLP, special tax
           counsel, as to certain federal income tax matters
 12.1      Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12 to the registrant's
           Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-442) for the year
           ended December 31, 1997)*
 23.1      Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
 23.2      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
 23.3      Consent of Theodore J. Collins, Esq. (included in Exhibit
           5.1)
 23.4      Consent of Perkins Coie (included in Exhibit 8.1)
   24      Power of Attorney (contained on signature page)
 25.1      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of The Chase Manhattan
           Bank to act as trustee under the Indenture
 99.1      Form of Letter of Transmittal
 99.2      Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
 99.3      Form of Exchange Agent Agreement
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
* Previously filed.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2


                          [Form of Exchange Debenture]

                               THE BOEING COMPANY

                                6 5/8% DEBENTURE

                              DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038

         Unless and until this Security is exchanged in whole or in part for one
or more Securities in definitive registered form, this Security may not be
transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a nominee of the Depository
or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository or another nominee of the
Depository or by the Depository or any such nominee to a successor Depository or
a nominee of such successor Depository.

         Unless this certificate is presented by an authorized representative of
The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to the Company or
its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any
certificate issued is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name
as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made
to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized
representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL inasmuch as the registered owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.
<PAGE>   2
                               THE BOEING COMPANY

                                6 5/8% DEBENTURE

                              DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038

Certificate No. ___                                              $_____________

                                                           CUSIP NO. __________

         THE BOEING COMPANY, a corporation duly organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Delaware (herein called the "Company," which term includes
any successor corporation under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for
value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns the
principal sum of $___________ on February 15, 2038 and to pay interest thereon
from February 24, 1998, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which
interest has been paid or duly provided for, semiannually on February 15 and
August 15 in each year, commencing August 15, 1998, at the rate of 6 5/8% per
annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. The
interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest
Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose
name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the
close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be
the February 1 or August 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be,
next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually
paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on
such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this
Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of
business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to
be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities
of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be
paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the
requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series
may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as
more fully provided in said Indenture.

         Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and any such
interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for that purpose in the City and State of New York in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that, at the
option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed on or
before the relevant Interest Payment Date


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in
the Security Register.

         Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

         Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by
the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed.

         Dated __________, 1998

                                          THE BOEING COMPANY


                                          By___________________________


         Attest:


         By________________________



                          CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

         This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred
to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

                                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                          as Trustee

                                          By ______________________________
                                             Authorized Officer



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
                               REVERSE OF SECURITY

         This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the
Company (herein called the "Securities") issued under an Indenture, dated as of
August 15, 1991 (herein called the "Indenture"), between the Company (which term
includes any successor corporation under the Indenture) and The Chase Manhattan
Bank, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee," which term includes any successor
trustee under the Indenture with respect to the series of which this Security is
part), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is
hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights,
duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of
the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on
the face hereof, limited in aggregate principal amount to $300,000,000.

         This Security is redeemable in whole or in part, at the option of the
Company at any time and from time to time, on not less than 30 or more than 60
days' notice mailed to Holders thereof, at a Redemption Price equal to the
greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the Security and (ii) the sum of
the present values of the Remaining Scheduled Payments thereon discounted to the
Redemption Date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of
twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points, together, in
either case, with accrued interest on the principal amount of the Security to
the Redemption Date.

         "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Redemption Date, the rate
per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity (computed as of
the second business day immediately preceding such Redemption Date) of the
Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable
Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

         "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security
selected by an Independent Investment Banker that would be utilized, at the time
of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new
issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term
of this Security. "Independent Investment Banker" means one of the Reference
Treasury Dealers appointed by the Company.

         "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any Redemption Date,
(i) the average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue
(expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third
business day preceding such Redemption Date, as set forth in the daily
statistical release (or


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
any successor release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and
designated "Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities" or
(ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not published or does not
contain such prices on such business day, (a) the average of the Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest
and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (b) if the Trustee
obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average
of all such Quotations. "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with
respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average,
as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount)
quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer as of 3:30
p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such Redemption
Date.

         "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and their
respective successors and three other nationally recognized investment banking
firms that are Primary Treasury Dealers specified from time to time by the
Company; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing shall cease to be a
primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury
Dealer"), the Company shall substitute therefor another nationally recognized
investment banking firm that is a Primary Treasury Dealer.

         "Remaining Scheduled Payments" means the remaining scheduled payments
of the principal of this Security and interest thereon that would be due after
the related Redemption Date but for such redemption; provided, however, that, if
such Redemption Date is not an Interest Payment Date with respect to this
Security, the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment thereon
will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued thereon to such Redemption
Date.

         On and after any Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on this
Security or any portion thereof called for redemption (unless the Company shall
default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any). On
or before any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with a Paying Agent (or
the Trustee) money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the
Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the
Securities to be redeemed on such date. If less than all the Securities are to
be redeemed, the Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee by
such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate in accordance with
methods generally used at the time of selection by fiduciaries in similar
circumstances.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
         In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new
Security or Securities of this series for the unredeemed portion hereof will be
issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

         The Securities of this series are subject to the defeasance and
covenant defeasance provisions set forth in Article Four of the Indenture.

         If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall
occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be
declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the
Indenture.

         The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions
permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of each series, on behalf of the Holders of all
Outstanding Securities of each series, to waive compliance by the Company with
certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all
future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in exchange or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of
such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

         No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security
or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which
is absolute and unconditional, to pay the amount of principal of (and premium,
if any, on) and interest, if any, on this Security herein provided, and at the
times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

         As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein
set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security
Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the
office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of (and
premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on this Security are payable, duly
endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the
Holder hereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon
one or more new Securities of this series, of authorized denominations and for
the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee
or transferees.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
         Interests of beneficial owners in a Global Security shall be
transferred in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depository (or
its successors).

         The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth,
Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount
of Securities of this series of different authorized denominations as requested
by the Holder surrendering the same.

         No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer
or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

         Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat
the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Security is overdue, and neither the Company nor
the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

         All terms used in this Security that are defined in the Indenture shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.


                                      -8-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3


                                  $300,000,000

                               THE BOEING COMPANY

                     6 5/8% Debentures Due February 15, 2038


                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                                                               February 19, 1998

Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
     Eleven Madison Avenue
          New York, New York  10010-3629

Dear Sirs:

         The Boeing Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes to
issue and sell to Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (collectively, the "Initial Purchasers"),
upon the terms set forth in a purchase agreement of even date herewith (the
"Purchase Agreement"), $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6 5/8%
Debentures Due February 15, 2038 (the "Initial Securities"). The Initial
Securities will be issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of August 15, 1991
(the "Indenture"), among the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank (the
"Trustee"). As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers, the Company agrees with
the Initial Purchasers, for the benefit of the holders of the Initial Securities
(including, without limitation, the Initial Purchasers), the Exchange Securities
(as defined below) and the Private Exchange Securities (as defined below)
(collectively the "Holders"), as follows:

         1. Registered Exchange Offer. To the extent not prohibited by any
applicable law or applicable interpretation of the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), the Company shall, at its own cost,
prepare and, not later than 120 days after (or if the 120th day is not a
business day, the first business day thereafter) the date of original issue of
the Initial Securities (the "Issue Date"), file with the Commission a
registration statement (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") on an
appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), with respect to a proposed offer (the "Registered Exchange Offer") to the
Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities (as defined in Section 6 hereof), who
are not prohibited by any law or policy of the Commission from participating in
the Registered Exchange Offer, to issue and deliver to such Holders, in exchange
for the Initial Securities, a like aggregate principal amount of 
<PAGE>   2
debt securities (the "Exchange Securities") of the Company issued under the
Indenture and identical in all material respects to the Initial Securities
(except for the transfer restrictions relating to the Initial Securities and the
provisions relating to the matters described in Section 6 hereof) that would be
registered under the Securities Act. The Company shall use its best efforts to
cause such Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become effective under the
Securities Act within 150 days (or if the 150th day is not a business day, the
first business day thereafter) after the Issue Date of the Initial Securities
and shall keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective for not less
than 30 days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date notice of
the Registered Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders (such period being called
the "Exchange Offer Registration Period").

         If the Company effects the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company will
be entitled to close the Registered Exchange Offer 30 days after the
commencement thereof provided that the Company has accepted all the Initial
Securities theretofore validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the
Registered Exchange Offer.

         Following the declaration of the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement, the Company shall promptly commence the Registered
Exchange Offer, it being the objective of such Registered Exchange Offer to
enable each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (as defined in Section 6
hereof) electing to exchange the Initial Securities for Exchange Securities
(assuming that such Holder is not an affiliate of the Company within the meaning
of the Securities Act, acquires the Exchange Securities in the ordinary course
of such Holder's business and has no arrangements with any person to participate
in the distribution of the Exchange Securities and is not prohibited by any law
or policy of the Commission from participating in the Registered Exchange Offer)
to trade such Exchange Securities from and after their receipt without any
limitations or restrictions under the Securities Act and without material
restrictions under the securities laws of the several states of the United
States.

         The Company acknowledges that, pursuant to current interpretations by
the Commission's staff of Section 5 of the Securities Act, in the absence of an
applicable exemption therefrom, (i) each Holder which is a broker-dealer
electing to exchange Securities, acquired for its own account as a result of
market making activities or other trading activities, for Exchange Securities
(an "Exchanging Dealer"), is required to deliver a prospectus containing the
information set forth in (a) Annex A hereto on the cover, (b) Annex B hereto in
the "Exchange Offer Procedures" section and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer"
section, and (c) Annex C hereto in the "Plan of Distribution" section of such
prospectus in connection with a sale of any such Exchange Securities received by
such Exchanging Dealer pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and (ii) an
Initial Purchaser that elects to sell Exchange Securities acquired in exchange
for Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment is required to
deliver a prospectus containing the information required by Items 507 or 508 of
Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, as applicable, in connection with such
sale.
<PAGE>   3
         The Company shall use its best efforts to keep the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement effective and to amend and supplement the prospectus
contained therein, in order to permit such prospectus to be lawfully delivered
by all persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act for such period of time as such persons must comply with such requirements
in order to resell the Exchange Securities; provided, however, that (i) in the
case where such prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto must be
delivered by an Exchanging Dealer or an Initial Purchaser, such period shall be
the lesser of 180 days and a period ending on the date on which all Exchanging
Dealers and the Initial Purchasers have sold all Exchange Securities held by
them (unless such period is extended pursuant to Section 3(j) below) and (ii)
the Company shall make such prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto,
available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale of any
Exchange Securities for a period of not less than 90 days after the consummation
of the Registered Exchange Offer.

         If, upon consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer, any Initial
Purchaser holds Initial Securities acquired by it as part of its initial
distribution, the Company, simultaneously with the delivery of the Exchange
Securities pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer, shall issue and deliver to
such Initial Purchaser upon the written request of such Initial Purchaser, in
exchange (the "Private Exchange") for the Initial Securities held by such
Initial Purchaser, a like principal amount of debt securities of the Company
issued under the Indenture and identical in all material respects (including the
existence of restrictions on transfer under the Securities Act and the
securities laws of the several states of the United States, but excluding
provisions relating to the matters described in Section 6 hereof) to the Initial
Securities (the "Private Exchange Securities"). The Initial Securities, the
Exchange Securities and the Private Exchange Securities are herein collectively
called the "Securities".

         In connection with the Registered Exchange Offer, the Company shall:

                  (a) mail to each Holder a copy of the prospectus forming part
         of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an
         appropriate letter of transmittal and related documents;

                  (b) keep the Registered Exchange Offer open for not less than
         30 days (or longer, if required by applicable law) after the date
         notice thereof is mailed to the Holders;

                  (c) utilize the services of a depositary for the Registered
         Exchange Offer with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
         New York, which may be the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee;

                  (d) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Securities at any time
         prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last business day
         on which the Registered Exchange Offer shall remain open; and
<PAGE>   4
                  (e) otherwise comply with all applicable laws.

         As soon as practicable after the close of the Registered Exchange Offer
and, if applicable, the Private Exchange, the Company shall:

                  (x) accept for exchange all the Securities validly tendered
         and not withdrawn pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and the
         Private Exchange;

                  (y) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all the Initial
         Securities so accepted for exchange; and

                  (z) cause the Trustee to authenticate and deliver promptly to
         each Holder of the Initial Securities, Exchange Securities or Private
         Exchange Securities, as the case may be, equal in principal amount to
         the Initial Securities of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

         The Indenture (as modified to include the terms reflected in the
certificates evidencing the Securities) will provide that the Exchange
Securities will not be subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the
Indenture (as so modified) and that all the Securities will vote and consent
together on all matters as one class and that none of the Securities will have
the right to vote or consent as a class separate from one another on any matter.

         Interest on each Exchange Security and Private Exchange Security issued
pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer and in the Private Exchange will
accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the
Initial Securities surrendered in exchange therefor or, if no interest has been
paid on the Initial Securities, from the date of original issue of the Initial
Securities.

         Each Holder participating in the Registered Exchange Offer shall be
required to represent to the Company that at the time of the consummation of the
Registered Exchange Offer (i) any Exchange Securities received by such Holder
will be acquired in the ordinary course of business, (ii) such Holder will have
no arrangements or understanding with any person to participate in the
distribution of the Securities or the Exchange Securities within the meaning of
the Securities Act, (iii) such Holder is not an "affiliate," as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act, of the Company or if it is an affiliate, such Holder
will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act to the extent applicable, (iv) if such Holder is not a
broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the
distribution of the Exchange Securities and (v) if such Holder is a
broker-dealer, that it will receive Exchange Securities for its own account in
exchange for Initial Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities and that it will be required to
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Securities.
<PAGE>   5
         Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, the Company will ensure
that (i) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and
any prospectus forming part thereof and any supplement thereto complies in all
material respects with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, (ii) any Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment
thereto does not, when it becomes effective, contain an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (iii) any prospectus
forming part of any Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and any supplement to
such prospectus, does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.

         2. Shelf Registration. If, (i) because of any change in law or in
applicable interpretations thereof by the staff of the Commission, the Company
is not permitted to effect a Registered Exchange Offer, as contemplated by
Section 1 hereof, (ii) the Registered Exchange Offer is not consummated within
180 days after (or if the 180th day is not a business day, the first business
day thereafter) the Issue Date, (iii) any Initial Purchaser so requests with
respect to the Initial Securities (or the Private Exchange Securities) not
eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Securities in the Registered Exchange
Offer and held by it following consummation of the Registered Exchange Offer or
(iv) any Holder (other than an Exchanging Dealer) is not eligible to participate
in the Registered Exchange Offer or, in the case of any Holder (other than an
Exchanging Dealer) that participates in the Registered Exchange Offer, such
Holder does not receive freely tradeable Exchange Securities on the date of the
exchange, the Company shall take the following actions:

                (a) The Company shall, at its cost, as promptly as practicable
         (but in no event more than 30 days after so required or requested
         pursuant to this Section 2) file with the Commission and thereafter
         shall use its best efforts to cause to be declared effective a
         registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement" and,
         together with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, a
         "Registration Statement") on an appropriate form under the Securities
         Act relating to the offer and sale of the Transfer Restricted
         Securities (as defined in Section 6 hereof) by the Holders thereof from
         time to time in accordance with the methods of distribution set forth
         in the Shelf Registration Statement and Rule 415 under the Securities
         Act (hereinafter, the "Shelf Registration"); provided, however, that no
         Holder (other than an Initial Purchaser) shall be entitled to have the
         Securities held by it covered by such Shelf Registration Statement
         unless such Holder agrees in writing to be bound by all the provisions
         of this Agreement applicable to such Holder.

                (b) The Company shall use its best efforts to keep the Shelf
         Registration Statement continuously effective in order to permit the
         prospectus included therein to be lawfully delivered by the Holders of
         the relevant Securities, for a period of 
<PAGE>   6
         two years (or for such longer period if extended pursuant to Section
         3(j) below) from the date of its effectiveness or such shorter period
         that will terminate when all the Securities covered by the Shelf
         Registration Statement (i) have been sold pursuant thereto or (ii) are
         no longer restricted securities (as defined in Rule 144 under the
         Securities Act, or any successor rule thereof). The Company shall be
         deemed not to have used its best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration
         Statement effective during the requisite period if it voluntarily takes
         any action that would result in Holders of Securities covered thereby
         not being able to offer and sell such Securities during that period,
         unless such action is required by applicable law.

                (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to
         the contrary, the Company shall cause the Shelf Registration Statement
         and the related prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, as
         of the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement, amendment or
         supplement, (i) to comply in all material respects with the applicable
         requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the
         Commission and (ii) not to contain any untrue statement of a material
         fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
         necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
         circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

         3. Registration Procedures. In connection with any Shelf Registration
contemplated by Section 2 hereof and, to the extent applicable, any Registered
Exchange Offer contemplated by Section 1 hereof, the following provisions shall
apply:

                (a) The Company shall (i) furnish to each Initial Purchaser,
         prior to the filing thereof with the Commission, a copy of the
         Registration Statement and each amendment thereof and each supplement,
         if any, to the prospectus included therein and, in the event that an
         Initial Purchaser (with respect to any portion of an unsold allotment
         from the original offering) is participating in the Registered Exchange
         Offer or the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall use its
         best efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the
         Commission, such comments as such Initial Purchaser reasonably may
         propose; (ii) include the information set forth in Annex A hereto on
         the cover, in Annex B hereto in the "Exchange Offer Procedures" section
         and the "Purpose of the Exchange Offer" section and in Annex C hereto
         in the "Plan of Distribution" section of the prospectus forming a part
         of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and include the
         information set forth in Annex D hereto in the Letter of Transmittal
         delivered pursuant to the Registered Exchange Offer; (iii) if requested
         by an Initial Purchaser, include the information required by Items 507
         or 508 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, as applicable, in
         the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration
         Statement; (iv) include within the prospectus contained in the Exchange
         Offer Registration Statement a section entitled "Plan of Distribution,"
         reasonably acceptable to the Initial Purchasers, which shall contain a
         summary statement of the positions taken or policies made by the staff
         of the Commission with respect to the potential "underwriter" status of
         any broker-dealer that is the beneficial owner 
<PAGE>   7
         (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
         amended (the "Exchange Act")) of Exchange Securities received by such
         broker-dealer in the Registered Exchange Offer (a "Participating
         Broker-Dealer"), whether such positions or policies have been publicly
         disseminated by the staff of the Commission or such positions or
         policies, in the reasonable judgment of the Initial Purchasers based
         upon advice of counsel (which may be in-house counsel), represent the
         prevailing views of the staff of the Commission; and (v) in the case of
         a Shelf Registration Statement, include the names of the Holders, who
         propose to sell Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration
         Statement, as selling securityholders.

                (b) The Company shall give written notice to the Initial
         Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any Participating
         Broker-Dealer from whom the Company has received prior written notice
         that it will be a Participating Broker-Dealer in the Registered
         Exchange Offer (which notice pursuant to clauses (ii)-(v) hereof shall
         be accompanied by an instruction to suspend the use of the prospectus
         until the requisite changes have been made):

                           (i) when the Registration Statement or any amendment
                  thereto has been filed with the Commission and when the
                  Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto
                  has become effective;

                           (ii) of any request by the Commission for amendments
                  or supplements to the Registration Statement or the prospectus
                  included therein or for additional information;

                           (iii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop
                  order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
                  Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that
                  purpose;

                           (iv) of the receipt by the Company or its legal
                  counsel of any notification with respect to the suspension of
                  the qualification of the Securities for sale in any
                  jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any
                  proceeding for such purpose; and

                           (v) of the happening of any event that requires the
                  Company to make changes in the Registration Statement or the
                  prospectus in order that the Registration Statement or the
                  prospectus do not contain an untrue statement of a material
                  fact nor omit to state a material fact required to be stated
                  therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the
                  case of the prospectus, in light of the circumstances under
                  which they were made) not misleading.
<PAGE>   8
                (c) The Company shall make every reasonable effort to obtain the
         withdrawal at the earliest possible time, of any order suspending the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement.

                (d) The Company shall furnish to each Holder of Securities
         included within the coverage of the Shelf Registration, without charge,
         at least one copy of the Shelf Registration Statement and any
         post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and
         schedules, and, if the Holder so requests in writing, all exhibits
         thereto (including those, if any, incorporated by reference).

                (e) The Company shall deliver to each Exchanging Dealer and each
         Initial Purchaser, and to any other Holder who so requests, without
         charge, at least one copy of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
         and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial
         statements and schedules, and, if any Initial Purchaser or any such
         Holder requests, all exhibits thereto (including those incorporated by
         reference).

                (f) The Company shall, during the Shelf Registration Period,
         deliver to each Holder of Securities included within the coverage of
         the Shelf Registration, without charge, as many copies of the
         prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) included in the
         Shelf Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto as
         such person may reasonably request. The Company consents, subject to
         the provisions of this Agreement, to the use of the prospectus or any
         amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders of the
         Securities in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities
         covered by the prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto,
         included in the Shelf Registration Statement.

                (g) The Company shall deliver to each Initial Purchaser, any
         Exchanging Dealer, any Participating Broker-Dealer and such other
         persons required to deliver a prospectus following the Registered
         Exchange Offer, without charge, as many copies of the final prospectus
         included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and any amendment
         or supplement thereto as such persons may reasonably request. The
         Company consents, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, to the
         use of the prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by any
         Initial Purchaser, if necessary, any Participating Broker-Dealer and
         such other persons required to deliver a prospectus following the
         Registered Exchange Offer in connection with the offering and sale of
         the Exchange Securities covered by the prospectus, or any amendment or
         supplement thereto, included in such Exchange Offer Registration
         Statement.

                (h) Prior to any public offering of the Securities, pursuant to
         any Registration Statement, the Company shall register or qualify or
         cooperate with the Holders of the Securities included therein and their
         respective counsel in connection with the registration or qualification
         of the Securities for offer and sale 
<PAGE>   9
         under the securities or "blue sky" laws of such states of the United
         States as any Holder of the Securities reasonably requests in writing
         and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to
         enable the offer and sale in such jurisdictions of the Securities
         covered by such Registration Statement; provided, however, that the
         Company shall not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business
         in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or (ii) take any
         action which would subject it to general service of process or to
         taxation in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject.

                (i) The Company shall cooperate with the Holders of the
         Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of
         certificates representing the Securities to be sold pursuant to any
         Registration Statement free of any restrictive legends and in such
         denominations and registered in such names as the Holders may
         reasonably request a reasonable period of time prior to sales of the
         Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement.

                (j) Upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by paragraphs
         (ii) through (v) of Section 3(b) above during the period for which the
         Company is required to maintain an effective Registration Statement,
         the Company shall promptly prepare and file a post-effective amendment
         to the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related prospectus
         and any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to
         Holders of the Securities or purchasers of Securities, the prospectus
         will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
         state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
         make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which
         they were made, not misleading. If the Company notifies the Initial
         Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any known Participating
         Broker-Dealer in accordance with paragraphs (ii) through (v) of Section
         3(b) above to suspend the use of the prospectus until the requisite
         changes to the prospectus have been made, then the Initial Purchasers,
         the Holders of the Securities and any such Participating Broker-Dealers
         shall suspend use of such prospectus, and the period of effectiveness
         of the Shelf Registration Statement provided for in Section 2(b) above
         and the Exchange Offer Registration Statement provided for in Section 1
         above shall each be extended by the number of days from and including
         the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when
         the Initial Purchasers, the Holders of the Securities and any known
         Participating Broker-Dealer shall have received such amended or
         supplemented prospectus pursuant to this Section 3(j).

                (k) Not later than the effective date of the applicable
         Registration Statement, the Company will provide a CUSIP number for the
         Initial Securities, the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange
         Securities, as the case may be, and provide the applicable trustee with
         certificates for the Initial Securities, the Exchange Securities or the
         Private Exchange Securities, as the case may be, in a form eligible for
         deposit with The Depository Trust Company.
<PAGE>   10
                (l) The Company will comply with all rules and regulations of
         the Commission to the extent and so long as they are applicable to the
         Registered Exchange Offer or the Shelf Registration and will make
         generally available to its security holders (or otherwise provide in
         accordance with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act) an earnings
         statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities
         Act, no later than 45 days after the end of a 12-month period (or 90
         days, if such period is a fiscal year) beginning with the first month
         of the Company's first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective
         date of the Registration Statement, which statement shall cover such
         12-month period.

                (m) The Company shall cause the Indenture to be qualified under
         the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, in a timely manner and
         containing such changes, if any, as shall be necessary for such
         qualification. In the event that such qualification would require the
         appointment of a new trustee under the Indenture, the Company shall
         appoint a new trustee thereunder pursuant to the applicable provisions
         of the Indenture.

                (n) The Company may require each Holder of Securities to be sold
         pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement to furnish to the Company
         such information regarding the Holder and the distribution of the
         Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably require for
         inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, and the Company may
         exclude from such registration the Securities of any Holder that
         unreasonably fails to furnish such information within a reasonable time
         after receiving such request.

                (o) The Company shall enter into such customary agreements
         (including, if requested, an underwriting agreement in customary form)
         and take all such other action, if any, as any Holder of the Securities
         shall reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the
         Securities pursuant to any Shelf Registration.

                (p) In the case of any Shelf Registration, the Company shall (i)
         make reasonably available for inspection by the Holders of the
         Securities, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant
         to the Shelf Registration Statement and any attorney, accountant or
         other agent retained by the Holders of the Securities or any such
         underwriter (collectively, the "Inspectors") all relevant financial and
         other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the
         Company ("Records") and (ii) cause the Company's officers, directors,
         employees, accountants and auditors to supply all relevant information
         reasonably requested by the Holders of the Securities or any such
         underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with the Shelf
         Registration Statement, in each case, as shall be reasonably necessary
         to enable such persons, to conduct a reasonable investigation within
         the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however,
         that the foregoing inspection and information gathering shall be
         coordinated on behalf of the Initial Purchasers by you and on behalf of
         the other parties, by one counsel designated by and on behalf of such
         other parties as described in Section 4 hereof.
<PAGE>   11
         Records which the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential
         and any Records which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall
         not be disclosed by the Inspectors unless (i) the disclosure of such
         Records is necessary to avoid or correct a material misstatement or
         omission in such Registration Statement, (ii) the release of such
         Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court
         of competent jurisdiction or is necessary in connection with any
         action, suit or proceeding or (iii) the information in such Records has
         been made generally available to the public. Each selling Holder of
         such Securities and each Participating Broker-Dealer will be required
         to agree in writing that information obtained by it as a result of such
         inspections shall be deemed confidential and shall not be used by it as
         the basis for any market transactions in the securities of the Company
         unless and until such is made generally available to the public. Each
         selling Holder of such Securities and each such Participating
         Broker-Dealer will be required to further agree in writing that it
         will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a
         court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow
         the Company at its expense to undertake appropriate action to prevent
         disclosure of the Records deemed confidential.

                (q) In the case of any Shelf Registration, the Company, if
         requested by any Holder of Securities covered thereby, shall cause (i)
         its counsel to deliver an opinion and updates thereof relating to the
         Securities in customary form addressed to such Holders and the managing
         underwriters, if any, thereof and dated, in the case of the initial
         opinion, the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement (it
         being agreed that the matters to be covered by such opinion may be
         subject to customary qualifications and exceptions and that such
         matters shall include, without limitation, the due incorporation and
         good standing of the Company; the qualification of the Company to
         transact business as a foreign corporation; the due authorization,
         execution and delivery of the relevant agreement of the type referred
         to in Section 3(o) hereof; the due authorization, execution,
         authentication and issuance, and the validity and enforceability, of
         the applicable Securities; the absence of material legal or
         governmental proceedings involving the Company and its subsidiaries;
         the absence of governmental approvals required to be obtained in
         connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, the offering and sale
         of the applicable Securities, or any agreement of the type referred to
         in Section 3(o) hereof; the compliance as to form of such Shelf
         Registration Statement and any documents incorporated by reference
         therein and of the Indenture with the requirements of the Securities
         Act and the Trust Indenture Act, respectively); and such counsel shall
         state that such counsel have participated in the preparation of the
         Shelf Registration Statement and in conferences with other
         representatives of the Company, and the representatives and counsel of
         the Holders and the managing underwriters, if any, at which the
         contents of the Shelf Registration Statement and related matters were
         discussed, and such counsel do not know of any reason to believe that,
         as of the date of the opinion and as of the effective date of the Shelf
         Registration Statement or most recent post-effective amendment thereto,
         as the case may be, such Shelf Registration Statement and the
         prospectus 
<PAGE>   12
         included therein, as then amended or supplemented, and any documents
         incorporated by reference, contained an untrue statement of a material
         fact or omitted to state therein a material fact required to be stated
         therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in
         the case of any such documents, in the light of the circumstances
         existing at the time that such documents were filed with the Commission
         under the Exchange Act), it being understood that such counsel will not
         be passing upon or assuming any responsibility for the accuracy,
         completeness or fairness of any of the statements made in the Shelf
         Registration Statement or the prospectus contained therein, and that
         such counsel's statement will not apply to the financial statements and
         other financial data derived therefrom included in the Shelf
         Registration Statement or incorporated by reference therein; (ii) its
         officers to execute and deliver all customary documents and
         certificates and updates thereof requested by any underwriters of the
         applicable Securities and (iii) its independent public accountants and
         the independent public accountants with respect to any other entity for
         which financial information is provided in the Shelf Registration
         Statement to provide to the selling Holders of the applicable
         Securities and any underwriter therefor a comfort letter in customary
         form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in comfort
         letters in connection with primary underwritten offerings, subject to
         receipt of appropriate documentation as contemplated, and only if
         permitted, by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72.

                (r) In the case of the Registered Exchange Offer, if requested
         by any Initial Purchaser or any known Participating Broker-Dealer, the
         Company shall cause (i) its counsel to deliver to such Initial
         Purchaser or such Participating Broker-Dealer a signed opinion in the
         form set forth in the Purchase Agreement, for the opinion of such
         counsel, with such changes as are customary in connection with the
         preparation of a Registration Statement and (ii) its independent public
         accountants and the independent public accountants with respect to any
         other entity for which financial information is provided in the
         Registration Statement to deliver to such Initial Purchaser or such
         Participating Broker-Dealer a comfort letter, in customary form,
         meeting the requirements as to the substance thereof as set forth in
         the Purchase Agreement, for the comfort letter of such accountants,
         with appropriate date changes.

                (s) If a Registered Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange is to
         be consummated, upon delivery of the Initial Securities by Holders to
         the Company (or to such other Person as directed by the Company) in
         exchange for the Exchange Securities or the Private Exchange
         Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall mark, or caused to be
         marked, on the Initial Securities so exchanged that such Initial
         Securities are being canceled in exchange for the Exchange Securities
         or the Private Exchange Securities, as the case may be; in no event
         shall the Initial Securities be marked as paid or otherwise satisfied.
<PAGE>   13
                (t) The Company will use its best efforts to (a) if the Initial
         Securities have been rated prior to the initial sale of such Initial
         Securities, confirm such ratings will apply to the Securities covered
         by a Registration Statement, or (b) if the Initial Securities were not
         previously rated, cause the Securities covered by a Registration
         Statement to be rated with the appropriate rating agencies, if so
         requested by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
         Securities covered by such Registration Statement, or by the managing
         underwriters, if any.

                (u) In the event that any broker-dealer registered under the
         Exchange Act shall underwrite any Securities or participate as a member
         of an underwriting syndicate or selling group or "assist in the
         distribution" (within the meaning of the Conduct Rules (the "Rules") of
         the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")) thereof,
         whether as a Holder of such Securities or as an underwriter, a
         placement or sales agent or a broker or dealer in respect thereof, or
         otherwise, the Company will assist such broker-dealer in complying with
         the requirements of such Rules, including, without limitation, by (i)
         if such Rules, including Rule 2720, shall so require, engaging a
         "qualified independent underwriter" (as defined in Rule 2720) to
         participate in the preparation of the Registration Statement relating
         to such Securities, to exercise usual standards of due diligence in
         respect thereto and, if any portion of the offering contemplated by
         such Registration Statement is an underwritten offering or is made
         through a placement or sales agent, to recommend the yield of such
         Securities, (ii) indemnifying any such qualified independent
         underwriter to the extent of the indemnification of underwriters
         provided in Section 5 hereof and (iii) providing such information to
         such broker-dealer as may be required in order for such broker-dealer
         to comply with the requirements of the Rules.

                (v) The Company shall use its best efforts to take all other
         steps necessary to effect the registration of the Securities covered by
         a Registration Statement contemplated hereby.

         4. Registration Expenses. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses
incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations under Sections 1
through 3 hereof (including the reasonable fees and expenses, if any, of
Sullivan & Cromwell, counsel for the Initial Purchasers, incurred in connection
with the Registered Exchange Offer), whether or not the Registered Exchange
Offer or a Shelf Registration is filed or becomes effective, and, in the event
of a Shelf Registration, shall bear or reimburse the Holders of the Securities
covered thereby for the reasonable fees and disbursements of one firm of counsel
designated by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Initial
Securities covered thereby to act as counsel for the Holders of the Initial
Securities in connection therewith.

         5. Indemnification. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless each Holder of the Securities, any Participating Broker-Dealer and each
person, if any, who controls such Holder or such Participating Broker-Dealer
within the meaning of the 
<PAGE>   14
Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each Holder, any Participating Broker-Dealer
and such controlling persons are referred to collectively as the "Indemnified
Parties") from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or
several, or any actions in respect thereof (including, but not limited to, any
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions relating to purchases and sales
of the Securities) to which each Indemnified Party may become subject under the
Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a
Registration Statement or prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto
or in any preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf Registration, or arise out
of, or are based upon, the omission or alleged omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, and shall reimburse, as incurred, the Indemnified
Parties for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action in respect thereof; provided, however, that (i) the Company
shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that such loss, claim, damage
or liability arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in a Registration
Statement or prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto or in any
preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf Registration in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information pertaining to such Holder and furnished to
the Company by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for inclusion therein
and (ii) with respect to any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission made in any preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf
Registration Statement, the indemnity agreement contained in this subsection (a)
shall not inure to the benefit of any Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer from
whom the person asserting any such losses, claims, damages or liabilities
purchased the Securities concerned, to the extent that a prospectus relating to
such Securities was required to be delivered by such Holder or Participating
Broker-Dealer under the Securities Act in connection with such purchase and any
such loss, claim, damage or liability of such Holder or Participating
Broker-Dealer results from the fact that there was not sent or given to such
person, at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such Securities
to such person, a copy of the final prospectus if the Company had previously
furnished copies thereof to such Holder or Participating Broker-Dealer; provided
further, however, that this indemnity agreement will be in addition to any
liability which the Company may otherwise have to such Indemnified Party. The
Company shall also indemnify underwriters, their officers and directors and each
person who controls such underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act
or the Exchange Act to the same extent as provided above with respect to the
indemnification of the Holders of the Securities if requested by such Holders.

         (b) Each Holder of the Securities, severally and not jointly, will
indemnify and hold harmless the Company and each person, if any, who controls
the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act
(including each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement)
from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities or any actions in
respect thereof, to which the Company or any such controlling person may become
subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, 
<PAGE>   15
insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or actions arise out of or
are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact contained in a Registration Statement or prospectus or in any amendment or
supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus relating to a Shelf
Registration, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission
to state therein a material fact necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, but in each case only to the extent that the untrue statement or
omission or alleged untrue statement or omission was made in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information pertaining to such Holder and furnished
to the Company by or on behalf of such Holder specifically for inclusion
therein; and, subject to the limitation set forth immediately preceding this
clause, shall reimburse, as incurred, the Company for any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by the Company or any such controlling person in
connection with investigating or defending any loss, claim, damage, liability or
action in respect thereof. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any
liability which such Holder may otherwise have to the Company or any of its
controlling persons.

         (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 5
of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including a
governmental investigation), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 5,
notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof; but the omission so
to notify the indemnifying party will not, in any event, relieve the
indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the
indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. In case any
such action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies the
indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be
entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it may wish, jointly
with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense
thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party (who
shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the
indemnifying party), and after notice from the indemnifying party to such
indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof the
indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this
Section 5 for any legal or other expenses, other than reasonable costs of
investigation, subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection
with the defense thereof. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written
consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or
threatened action in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have
been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified
party unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such
indemnified party from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter
of such action.

         (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5 is
unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under
subsections (a) or (b) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to
the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to in
subsection (a) or (b) above (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on 
<PAGE>   16
the one hand and the indemnified party on the other from the issuance of the
Securities, or (ii) if the allocation provided by the foregoing clause (i) is
not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the
relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the
indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions
that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in
respect thereof) as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The
relative fault of the parties shall be determined by reference to, among other
things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the
omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by the Company on the one hand or such Holder or such other indemnified
party, as the case may be, on the other, and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of
the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first sentence of
this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating
or defending any action or claim which is the subject of this subsection (d).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5(d), the Holders of the
Securities shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the
amount by which the net proceeds received by such Holders from the sale of the
Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement exceeds the amount of damages
which such Holders have otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this paragraph (d),
each person, if any, who controls such indemnified party within the meaning of
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to
contribution as such indemnified party and each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act shall have
the same rights to contribution as the Company.

         (e) The agreements contained in this Section 5 shall survive the sale
of the Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement and shall remain in full
force and effect, regardless of any termination or cancellation of this
Agreement or any investigation made by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

         6. Additional Interest Under Certain Circumstances. (a) Additional
interest (the "Additional Interest") with respect to the Initial Securities
shall be assessed as follows if any of the following events occur (each such
event in clauses (i) through (iii) below a "Registration Default"):

                      (i) If by June 24, 1998 neither the Exchange Offer
         Registration Statement nor a Shelf Registration Statement has been
         filed with the Commission;
<PAGE>   17
                     (ii) If by August 24, 1998 neither the Registered Exchange
         Offer is consummated nor, if required in lieu thereof, the Shelf
         Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission; or

                    (iii) If after either the Exchange Offer Registration
         Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective (A)
         such Registration Statement thereafter ceases to be effective; or (B)
         such Registration Statement or the related prospectus ceases to be
         usable (except as permitted in paragraph (b)) in connection with
         resales of Transfer Restricted Securities during the periods specified
         herein because either (1) any event occurs as a result of which the
         related prospectus forming part of such Registration Statement would
         include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
         material fact necessary to make the statements therein in the light of
         the circumstances under which they were made not misleading, or (2) it
         shall be necessary to amend such Registration Statement or supplement
         the related prospectus, to comply with the Securities Act or the
         Exchange Act or the respective rules thereunder.

Additional Interest shall accrue on the Initial Securities over and above the
interest set forth in the title of the Securities from and including the date on
which any such Registration Default shall occur to but excluding the date on
which all such Registration Defaults have been cured, at a rate of 0.25% per
annum.

         (b) A Registration Default referred to in Section 6(a)(iii)(B) hereof
shall be deemed not to have occurred and be continuing in relation to a Shelf
Registration Statement or the related prospectus if (i) such Registration
Default has occurred solely as a result of (x) the filing of a post-effective
amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement to incorporate annual audited
financial information with respect to the Company where such post-effective
amendment is not yet effective and needs to be declared effective to permit
Holders to use the related prospectus or (y) other material events, with respect
to the Company, that would need to be described in such Shelf Registration
Statement or the related prospectus and (ii) in the case of clause (y), the
Company is proceeding promptly and in good faith to amend or supplement such
Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus to describe such events;
provided, however, that in any case if such Registration Default occurs for a
continuous period in excess of 30 days, Additional Interest shall be payable in
accordance with the above paragraph from the day such Registration Default
occurs until such Registration Default is cured.

         (c) Any amounts of Additional Interest due pursuant to clause (i), (ii)
or (iii) of Section 6(a) above will be payable in cash on the regular interest
payment dates with respect to the Initial Securities. The amount of Additional
Interest will be determined by multiplying the applicable Additional Interest
rate by the principal amount of the Initial Securities, multiplied by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days such Additional Interest
rate was applicable during such period (determined on the basis of a 360-day
year comprised of twelve 30-day months), and the denominator of which is 360.
<PAGE>   18
         (d) "Transfer Restricted Securities" means each Security until (i) the
date on which such Security has been exchanged by a person other than a
broker-dealer for a freely transferable Exchange Security in the Registered
Exchange Offer, (ii) following the exchange by a broker-dealer in the Registered
Exchange Offer of an Initial Security for an Exchange Security, the date on
which such Exchange Security is sold to a purchaser who receives from such
broker-dealer on or prior to the date of such sale a copy of the prospectus
contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, (iii) the date on which
such Initial Security has been effectively registered under the Securities Act
and disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement or (iv) the
date on which such Initial Security is distributed to the public pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act or is saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under
the Securities Act.
         7. Rules 144 and 144A. The Company shall use its best efforts to file
the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange
Act in a timely manner and, if at any time the Company is not required to file
such reports, it will, upon the request of any Holder of Initial Securities,
make publicly available other information so long as necessary to permit sales
of their Securities pursuant to Rules 144 and 144A. The Company covenants that
it will take such further action as any Holder of Initial Securities may
reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such
Holder to sell Initial Securities without registration under the Securities Act
within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rules 144 and 144A
(including the requirements of Rule 144A(d)(4)). The Company will provide a copy
of this Agreement to prospective purchasers of Initial Securities identified to
the Company by the Initial Purchasers upon request. Upon the request of any
Holder of Initial Securities, the Company shall deliver to such Holder a written
statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, nothing in this Section 7 shall be deemed to require the Company
to register any of its securities pursuant to the Exchange Act.

         8. Underwritten Registrations. If any of the Transfer Restricted
Securities covered by any Shelf Registration are to be sold in an underwritten
offering, the investment banker or investment bankers and manager or managers
that will administer the offering ("Managing Underwriters") will be selected by
the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Transfer
Restricted Securities to be included in such offering and must be reasonably
acceptable to the Company.

         No person may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder
unless such person (i) agrees to sell such person's Transfer Restricted
Securities on the basis reasonably provided in any underwriting arrangements
approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (ii)
completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities,
underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms
of such underwriting arrangements.

         .      Miscellaneous.

         (a) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be
amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from
the 
<PAGE>   19
provisions hereof may not be given, except by the Company and the written
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities
affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consents.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, (i) this Agreement may be amended,
without the consent of any Holder of Securities, by written agreement signed by
the Company and the Initial Purchasers, to cure any ambiguity, correct or
supplement any provision of this Agreement that may be inconsistent with any
other provision of this Agreement or to make any other provisions with respect
to matters or questions arising under this Agreement which shall not be
inconsistent with other provisions of this Agreement, (ii) this Agreement may be
amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers and consents to departures from
the provisions hereof may be given by written agreement signed by the Company
and the Initial Purchasers to the extent that any such amendment, modification,
supplement, waiver or consent is, in their reasonable judgment, necessary or
appropriate to comply with applicable law (including any interpretation of the
staff of the Commission) or any change therein and (iii) to the extent any
provision of this Agreement relates to the Initial Purchasers, such provision
may be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures
from such provisions may be given, by written agreement signed by the Initial
Purchasers and the Company.

         (b) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand delivery, first-class mail,
facsimile transmission, or air courier which guarantees overnight delivery:

                (1) if to a Holder of the Securities, at the most current
address given by such Holder to the Company.

                (2)  if to the Initial Purchasers:

                           c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
                           Eleven Madison Avenue
                           New York, NY 10010-3629
                           Fax No.:  (212) 325-8278
                           Attention:  Transactions Advisory Group

         with a copy to:

                           Sullivan & Cromwell
                           444 South Flower Street
                           Los Angeles, CA  90071
                           Fax No:  (213) 683-0457
                           Attention:  Frank Golay
<PAGE>   20
                (3)        if to the Company, at its address as follows:

                           The Boeing Company
                           7755 East Marginal Way South
                           Seattle, Washington  98108
                           Fax No:  (206) 655-7004
                           Attention:  Rob Stone, Assistant Treasurer

         with a copy to:
                           Perkins Coie
                           1201 Third Avenue, 40th Floor
                           Seattle, Washington 98101-3099
                           Fax: (206) 583-8500
                           Attention:  Evelyn Cruz Sroufe


         All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly
given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; three business
days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt
is acknowledged by recipient's facsimile machine operator, if sent by facsimile
transmission; and on the day delivered, if sent by overnight air courier
guaranteeing next day delivery.

         (c) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company has not, as of the date
hereof, entered into, nor shall it, on or after the date hereof, enter into, any
agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights
granted to the Holders herein or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

         (d) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the
Company and its successors and assigns.

         (e) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

         (f) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

         (g) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

         (h) Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained
herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal
or unenforceable, the 
<PAGE>   21
validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other
respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected
or impaired thereby.

         (i) Securities Held by the Company. Whenever the consent or approval of
Holders of a specified percentage of principal amount of Securities is required
hereunder, Securities held by the Company or its affiliates (other than
subsequent Holders of Securities if such subsequent Holders are deemed to be
affiliates solely by reason of their holdings of such Securities) shall not be
counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders
of such required percentage.

         If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon
this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement
among the several Initial Purchasers and the Company in accordance with its
terms.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        The Boeing Company



                                        By:      /s/ BOYD E. GIVAN
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Name: Boyd E. Givan
                                           Title:Senior Vice President and Chief
                                                 Financial Officer
<PAGE>   22
The foregoing Registration
Rights Agreement is hereby confirmed
and accepted as of the date first 
above written.

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

by:  CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION



         By:    /s/ JAMES GLERUM, JR.
            ------------------------------
            Name: James Glerum, Jr.
            Title: Managing Director
<PAGE>   23
                                                                         ANNEX A




         Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities. The Letter
of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of Exchange Securities received in exchange for Initial Securities
where such Initial Securities were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed
that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date (as defined herein), it
will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection
with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution."
<PAGE>   24
                                                                         ANNEX B




         Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own
account in exchange for Securities, where such Initial Securities were acquired
by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading
activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such Exchange Securities. See "Plan of Distribution."
<PAGE>   25
                                                                         ANNEX C

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Securities received in
exchange for Initial Securities where such Initial Securities were acquired as a
result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has
agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, it will make
this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for
use in connection with any such resale. In addition, until ______________, 199_,
all dealers effecting transactions in the Exchange Securities may be required to
deliver a prospectus.(1)

         The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of Exchange
Securities by broker-dealers. Exchange Securities received by broker-dealers for
their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time
in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Securities or a
combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time
of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated
prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through
brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or
concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such Exchange
Securities. Any broker-dealer that resells Exchange Securities that were
received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker
or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Securities may be
deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any
profit on any such resale of Exchange Securities and any commission or
concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that, by
acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act.

         For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date the Company will
promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents
in the Letter of Transmittal. The Company has agreed to pay all expenses
incident to the Exchange Offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the
Holders of the Securities) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers
or dealers and will indemnify the Holders of the Securities (including any
broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.

- --------

(1)
   
            In addition, the legend required by Item 502(e) of Regulation S-K 
   will appear on the back cover page of the Exchange Offer prospectus.
<PAGE>   26
                                                                         ANNEX D




      CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL
COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.

                Name:  _____________________________________________
                Address: ___________________________________________
                         ___________________________________________





If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is
not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange
Securities. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange
Securities for its own account in exchange for Initial Securities that were
acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it
acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Securities; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a
prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.





<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                             [Letterhead of Boeing]

                                  May 13, 1998

The Boeing Company
7755 East Marginal Way South
Seattle, WA  98108

         RE:      EXCHANGE OFFER RELATING TO 6 5/8% DEBENTURES DUE 2038

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         I am Senior Vice President and General Counsel of The Boeing Company, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and as such, have been involved with the
proceedings related to the offer by the Company to exchange its 6 5/8%
Debentures due February 15, 2038 (the "Exchange Debentures"), which are being
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), pursuant to
a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement"), for an
equal principal amount of the outstanding 6 5/8% Debentures due February 15,
2038, which were issued and sold in a transaction exempt from registration under
the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Original Debentures").

         In rendering the opinions set forth herein, I have examined (i) the
Indenture dated as of August 15, 1991, between the Company and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (the "Indenture"), (ii) the resolutions of the Board
of Directors of the Company adopted at a meeting held on October 31, 1994, (the
"Board Resolutions"), pursuant to which certain officers of the Company are
authorized to establish the terms of the Exchange Debentures, (iii) the
Officers' Certificate, dated as of February 24, 1998, which details the
establishment of the terms and form of the Exchange Debentures, (iv) the form of
Exchange Debentures, (v) the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February
19, 1998 (the "Registration Rights Agreement") by and among the Company, Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation and Merril Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, (vi) the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and
Restated By-Laws of the Company, and (vii) originals or copies, certified or
otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of such other agreements, instruments,
certificates of public officials and corporate officers of the Company and such
other documents, certificates, records, authorizations and
<PAGE>   2
The Boeing Company
May 13, 1998
Page 2


proceedings, as I have deemed necessary to enable me to express the opinions
hereinafter set forth.

         In my examination, I have assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to me as originals, the conformity to original documents of all
documents submitted to me as certified or photocopies and the authenticity of
the originals of such latter documents. In making my examination of documents
executed by parties other than the Company, I have assumed that such parties had
the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations
thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action,
corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents
and the validity and binding effect thereof on such parties.

         Based on the foregoing, it is my opinion that:

                  (a) The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by, and is a binding agreement of, the Company enforceable in
accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforcement thereof may be
limited by (i) bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent
conveyance or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to
creditors' rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of
whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity); and

                  (b) The Exchange Debentures have been duly authorized for
issuance and sale by the Company and, when duly executed, authenticated and
issued in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and issued and
delivered in the Exchange Offer as contemplated by the Registration Rights
Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company
enforceable in accordance with their terms, except to the extent that
enforcement thereof may be limited by (i) bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws now or
hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally and (ii) general
principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a
proceeding at law or in equity).

         My opinions are subject to the following qualification:
<PAGE>   3
The Boeing Company
May 13, 1998
Page 3


         I am qualified to practice law in the state of Washington, and I do not
express any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.

         I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement. I also consent to the reference to
myself under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement. In
giving this consent, I do not hereby admit that I am included in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       /s/  THEODORE J. COLLINS

                                       Theodore J. Collins
                                       Senior Vice President and General Counsel
                                          

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 8.1

                        [Letterhead of Perkins Coie LLP]

                                  May 13, 1998



The Boeing Company
7755 East Marginal Way South
Seattle, WA  98108

         RE:      EXCHANGE OFFER FOR 6-5/8% DEBENTURES DUE
                  FEBRUARY 15, 2038

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to The Boeing Company, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with an offer (the "Exchange Offer") by the
Company to exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6-5/8%
Debentures due February 15, 2038 (the "Exchange Debentures") that have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") pursuant to
a registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-__) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1998 (together with the Prospectus
contained therein and the amendments thereto, the "Registration Statement") for
a like aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 6-5/8% Debentures due
February 15, 2038, which were issued and sold in a transaction exempt from
registration under the Act (the "Original Debentures").

         In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Registration
Statement and such other documents as we have deemed necessary. Furthermore, we
have relied upon certain statements and representations made by officers of the
Company and others. We have also examined originals or copies, certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such other documents, certificates,
and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the
opinion set forth herein.

         In rendering our opinion, we have participated in the preparation of
the Registration Statement. Our opinion is conditioned on, among other things,
the initial and continuing accuracy of the facts, information, covenants, and
representations set forth in the documents referred to above and the statements
and representations made 
<PAGE>   2
May 13, 1998
Page 2



by officers of the Company and others. In our examination, we have assumed the
genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to
original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic
copies and that the transactions related to the exchange of the Exchange
Debentures for the Original Debentures will be consummated in the manner
contemplated by the Registration Statement.

         In rendering our opinion, we have considered the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder, judicial decisions, and Internal Revenue Service rulings, all as in
effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, which changes
may be retroactively applied. A change in the authorities upon which our opinion
is based could affect our conclusions.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and subject to the discussion
and limitations set forth in the Registration Statement under the heading
"CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES," we are of the opinion that, although
the discussion set forth in the Registration Statement under the heading
"CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES" does not purport to discuss all
possible United States federal income tax consequences of the Exchange Offer and
the transactions contemplated thereby, such discussion constitutes a fair and
accurate summary of the material United States federal income tax consequences
(other than consequences that are material to a holder based on such holder's
particular tax situation) of the exchange of the Exchange Debentures for the
Original Debentures.

         Except as set forth above, we express no opinion to any party as to the
tax consequences, whether federal, state, local or foreign, of the exchange of
the Exchange Debentures for the Original Debentures. We hereby consent to the
filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving
such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of person
whose consent is required under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. We disclaim any
<PAGE>   3
May 13, 1998
Page 3


undertaking to advise you of subsequent changes of the facts as assumed herein
or any subsequent changes in applicable law.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       PERKINS COIE


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of The Boeing Company on Form S-4 of our reports dated January 27,
1998, appearing in and incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form
10-K of The Boeing Company for the year ended December 31, 1997 and to the
reference to us under the headings "Selected Financial Data" and  "Experts" in
the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.



                              /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Seattle, Washington
May 11, 1998


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2





                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



        We consent to the reference to our firm under the headings "Selected
Financial Data" and "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement, and to the incorporation by reference in this
Registration Statement of The Boeing Company (for $300,000,000 of 6 5/8%
debentures due February 15, 2038) on Form S-4 of our report dated January 22,
1997, with respect to the balance sheet of McDonnell Douglas Corporation and
consolidated subsidiaries ("MDC") as of December 31, 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, not separately presented in and
incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Boeing
Company for the year ended December 31, 1997.

        We also consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of our report dated January 22, 1997, with respect to the financial
statement schedule (Schedule II) of MDC for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, not separately presented herein, in the Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997, of the Boeing Company filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.





                                              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


St. Louis, Missouri

May 11, 1998





<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                    UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
                   A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

               CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF
                A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) ________


                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


NEW YORK                                                              13-4994650
(State of incorporation                                         (I.R.S. employer
if not a national bank)                                      identification No.)

270 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK                                                         10017
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

                               William H. McDavid
                                 General Counsel
                                 270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                               Tel: (212) 270-2611
            (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

                               THE BOEING COMPANY
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE                                                              91-0425694
(State or other jurisdiction of                                 (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                               identification No.)

7755 EAST MARGINAL WAY SOUTH
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON                                                        98108
 (Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)

                     6 5/8% DEBENTURES DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038
                       (Title of the indenture securities)
<PAGE>   2
                                       -2-


                                     GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
              which it is subject.

              New York State Banking Department, State House, Albany,
              New York  12110.

              Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
              D.C., 20551

              Federal Reserve Bank of New York, District No. 2, 33 Liberty
              Street, New York, N.Y.

              Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C., 20429.


         (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

              Yes.


Item 2.  Affiliations with the Obligor.

         If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

         None.
<PAGE>   3
                                      - 3 -



Item 16.   List of Exhibits

           List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of
Eligibility.

           1. A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee as now in
effect, including the Organization Certificate and the Certificates of Amendment
dated February 17, 1969, August 31, 1977, December 31, 1980, September 9, 1982,
February 28, 1985, December 2, 1991 and July 10, 1996 (see Exhibit 1 to Form T-1
filed in connection with Registration Statement No. 333-06249, which is
incorporated by reference).

           2. A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the Trustee to Commence
Business (see Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration
Statement No. 33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996, in
connection with the merger of Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank
(National Association), Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation, was renamed
The Chase Manhattan Bank).

           3. None, authorization to exercise corporate trust powers being
contained in the documents identified above as Exhibits 1 and 2.

           4. A copy of the existing By-Laws of the Trustee (see Exhibit 4 to
Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No. 333-06249, which is
incorporated by reference).

           5.  Not applicable.

           6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act
(see Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No.
33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996, in connection
with the merger of Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National
Association), Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation, was renamed The Chase
Manhattan Bank).

           7.  A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee,
published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.

           8.  Not applicable.

           9.  Not applicable.

                                    SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 the
Trustee, The Chase Manhattan Bank, a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of New York and State of New York, on the 31st day of March, 1998.

                                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                                            By  /s/ James P. Freeman
                                                ----------------------------
                                                    James P. Freeman
                                                    Assistant Vice President
<PAGE>   4
                              Exhibit 7 to Form T-1


                                Bank Call Notice

                             RESERVE DISTRICT NO. 2
                       CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                  of 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
                     and Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
                     a member of the Federal Reserve System,

            at the close of business December 31, 1997, in accordance
          with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District
             pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DOLLAR AMOUNTS
                     ASSETS                                          IN MILLIONS


<S>                                                                               <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and
     currency and coin ........................................................   $      12,428
     Interest-bearing balances ................................................           3,428
Securities:
Held to maturity securities ...................................................           2,561
Available for sale securities .................................................          43,058
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
     agreements to resell .....................................................          29,633
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income .................................        $129,260
     Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses ................................           2,783
     Less: Allocated transfer risk reserve ....................................               0
                                                                                       --------
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
     allowance, and reserve ...................................................         126,477
Trading Assets ................................................................          62,575
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ......................           2,943
Other real estate owned .......................................................             295
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and
     associated companies .....................................................             231
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances
     outstanding ..............................................................           1,698
Intangible assets .............................................................           1,466
Other assets ..................................................................          10,268
                                                                                       --------
TOTAL ASSETS ..................................................................        $297,061
                                                                                       ========
</TABLE>


                                       -4-
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   LIABILITIES

<S>                                                                                             <C>
Deposits
     In domestic offices ....................................................................   $  94,524
     Noninterest-bearing ....................................................................   $  39,487
     Interest-bearing .......................................................................      55,037
                                                                                                ---------
     In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement,
            subsidiaries and IBF's ..........................................................      71,162
     Noninterest-bearing ....................................................................   $   3,205
     Interest-bearing .......................................................................      67,957

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agree-
       ments to repurchase ..................................................................      43,181
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ....................................................       1,000
Trading liabilities .........................................................................      48,903

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness
     and obligations under capitalized leases):
     With a remaining maturity of one year or less ..........................................       3,599
     With a remaining maturity of more than one year .
            through three years .............................................................         253
      With a remaining maturity of more than three years ....................................         132
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ....................................       1,698
Subordinated notes and debentures ...........................................................       5,715
Other liabilities ...........................................................................       9,896
TOTAL LIABILITIES ...........................................................................     280,063
                                                                                                ---------
                                 EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ...............................................           0
Common stock ................................................................................       1,211
Surplus  (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ...................................      10,291
Undivided profits and capital reserves ......................................................       5,502
Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
on available-for-sale securities ............................................................         (22)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments .........................................          16

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL ........................................................................      16,998
                                                                                                ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL ........................................................   $ 297,061
                                                                                                =========
</TABLE>


I, Joseph L. Sclafani, E.V.P. & Controller of the above-named bank, do hereby
declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the
instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true
to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                               JOSEPH L. SCLAFANI

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

                                    WALTER V. SHIPLEY           )
                                    THOMAS G. LABRECQUE         ) DIRECTORS
                                    WILLIAM B. HARRISON, JR.)


                                      -5-

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1
 
                             LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
                               THE BOEING COMPANY
 
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
                    6 5/8% DEBENTURES DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038
          WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                       FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING
                    6 5/8% DEBENTURES DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038
 
                             AS DESCRIBED HEREIN BY
 
                               THE BOEING COMPANY
 
                 PURSUANT TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED MAY   , 1998
 
        THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00
        P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON                , 1998, UNLESS THE
      OFFER IS EXTENDED. TENDERS MAY BE WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW
    YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
                 The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer Is:
 
                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
             By Mail, Hand or Overnight Delivery:                                  By Facsimile Transmission:
                   The Chase Manhattan Bank                                     (For Eligible Institutions Only)
                        55 Water Street
                   Room 234, North Building                                              (212) 638-7375
                   New York, New York 10041
                   Attention: Carlos Esteves                                          Confirm by Telephone:
                                                                                  Carlos Esteves (212) 638-0828
</TABLE>
 
    DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH
ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA A FACSIMILE NUMBER OTHER
THAN THE ONE LISTED ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. THE INSTRUCTIONS
ACCOMPANYING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED.
 
    Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meanings
given them in the Prospectus (as defined below).
 
    This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by holders (which term, for
purposes of this Letter of Transmittal, shall include any participant in The
Depository Trust Company ("DTC")) either if (a) certificates are to be forwarded
herewith or (b) tenders are to be made pursuant to the procedures for tender by
book-entry transfer set forth under "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for
Tendering Original Debentures" in the Prospectus and an Agent's Message (as
defined below) is not delivered. Certificates, or book-entry confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of such Original Debentures into the Exchange Agent's
account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof or
delivery of an Agent's Message in lieu thereof), properly completed and duly
executed, with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents
required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent
at its address set forth herein on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tenders by
book-entry transfer may also be made by delivering an Agent's Message in lieu of
this Letter of Transmittal. The term "book-entry confirmation" means a timely
confirmation of a book-entry transfer of Original Debentures into the Exchange
Agent's account at DTC. The term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted
by DTC to and received by the Exchange Agent and forming part of a book-entry
confirmation, that states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from
the tendering participant, which acknowledgment states that such participant has
received and agrees to be bound by this Letter of Transmittal and that The
Boeing Company may enforce this Letter of Transmittal against such participant.
 
    Holders of Original Debentures whose certificates (the "Certificates") for
such Original Debentures are not immediately available or who cannot deliver
their Certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or
prior to the Expiration Date or who cannot complete the procedures for
book-entry transfer on or prior to the Expiration Date must tender their
Original Debentures according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in
"The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Original Debentures" in the
Prospectus.
<PAGE>   2
 
     DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE
AGENT.
 
                    NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW.
              PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
 
     THE UNDERSIGNED HAS COMPLETED THE APPROPRIATE BOXES BELOW AND SIGNED THIS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO INDICATE THE ACTION THE UNDERSIGNED DESIRES TO TAKE
WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                  DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL DEBENTURES TENDERED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL        PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
                                                        CERTIFICATE NUMBER(S)*      AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL          OF ORIGINAL
    NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) OF REGISTERED HOLDER        (ATTACH ADDITIONAL LIST   DEBENTURES REPRESENTED    DEBENTURES TENDERED
             (PLEASE FILL IN, IF BLANK)                      IF NECESSARY)         BY EACH CERTIFICATE      (IF LESS THAN ALL)**
<S>                                                     <C>                       <C>                      <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  $                        $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Total Amount
                                                              Tendered:           $                        $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
  *  Need not be completed by book-entry holders. Such holders should check the
     appropriate box below and provide the requested information.
 
 ** Need not be completed if tendering for exchange all Original Debentures
    held. Original Debentures may be tendered in whole or in part in integral
    multiples of $1,000 in aggregate principal amount. All Original Debentures
    held shall be deemed tendered unless a lesser number is specified in this
    column.
================================================================================
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
              (BOXES BELOW TO BE CHECKED BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS
                        (DEFINED IN INSTRUCTION 1) ONLY)
 
[ ]  CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL DEBENTURES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY
     BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT
     WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
 
     Name of Tendering Institution
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     DTC Account Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Transaction Code Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     By crediting the Original Debentures to the Exchange Agent's account at DTC
in accordance with DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") and by
complying with applicable ATOP procedures with respect to the Exchange Offer,
including transmitting an Agent's Message to the Exchange Agent in which the
holder of the Original Debentures acknowledges and agrees to be bound by the
terms of this Letter of Transmittal, the participant in ATOP confirms on behalf
of itself and the beneficial owners of such Original Debentures all provisions
of this Letter of Transmittal applicable to it and such beneficial owners as
fully as if it had completed the information required herein and executed and
transmitted this Letter of Transmittal to the Exchange Agent.
 
[ ]  CHECK HERE AND ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IF
     TENDERED ORIGINAL DEBENTURES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF
     GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE
     FOLLOWING:
 
     Name of Registered Holder
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Window Ticket Number (if any)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Name of Institution Which Guaranteed Delivery
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     If Guaranteed Delivery is to be made by Book-Entry Transfer:
 
     Name of Tendering Institution
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     DTC Account Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Transaction Code Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[ ]  CHECK HERE IF TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED ORIGINAL
     DEBENTURES ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE DTC ACCOUNT NUMBER SET FORTH
     ABOVE.
 
[ ]  CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER WHO ACQUIRED THE ORIGINAL DEBENTURES
     FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF MARKET-MAKING OR OTHER TRADING
     ACTIVITIES (A "PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER") AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10
     ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR
     SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.
 
     Name:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Address:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Area Code and Telephone Number:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     Contact Person:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     The undersigned hereby tenders to The Boeing Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), the above-described aggregate principal amount of
its 6 5/8% Debentures due February 15, 2038 (the "Original Debentures") in
exchange for a like aggregate principal amount of 6 5/8% Debentures due February
15, 2038 (the "Exchange Debentures") that have been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated May   , 1998 (as the
same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus"),
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal
(which, together with the Prospectus, constitutes the "Exchange Offer").
 
     Subject to and effective upon the acceptance for exchange of all or any
portion of the Original Debentures tendered herewith in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including, if the Exchange Offer is
extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or
amendment), the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the
order of the Company all right, title and interest in and to such Original
Debentures as are being tendered herewith. The undersigned hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as its agent and attorney-in-fact
(with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent is also acting as agent of the
Company in connection with the Exchange Offer) with respect to the tendered
Original Debentures, with full power of substitution (such power of attorney
being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest), subject only
to the right of withdrawal described in the Prospectus to (i) deliver
Certificates for Original Debentures to the Company together with all
accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or upon the order of,
the Company, upon receipt by the Exchange Agent, as the undersigned's agent, of
the Exchange Debentures to be issued in exchange for such Original Debentures,
(ii) present Certificates for such Original Debentures for registration of
transfer, and transfer the Original Debentures on the books of the Company, and
(iii) receive for the account of the Company all benefits and otherwise exercise
all rights of beneficial ownership of such Original Debentures, all in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer.
 
     THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT THE UNDERSIGNED HAS
FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO TENDER, EXCHANGE, SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER THE
ORIGINAL DEBENTURES TENDERED HEREBY AND THAT, WHEN THE SAME ARE ACCEPTED FOR
EXCHANGE, THE COMPANY WILL ACQUIRE GOOD, MARKETABLE AND UNENCUMBERED TITLE
THERETO, FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, RESTRICTIONS, CHARGES AND ENCUMBRANCES,
AND THAT THE ORIGINAL DEBENTURES TENDERED HEREBY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY ADVERSE
CLAIMS OR PROXIES. THE UNDERSIGNED WILL, UPON REQUEST, EXECUTE AND DELIVER ANY
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS DEEMED BY THE COMPANY OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT TO BE NECESSARY
OR DESIRABLE TO COMPLETE THE EXCHANGE, ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF THE ORIGINAL
DEBENTURES TENDERED HEREBY, AND THE UNDERSIGNED WILL COMPLY WITH ITS OBLIGATIONS
UNDER THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT. THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ AND AGREES TO
ALL OF THE TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
     The name(s) and address(es) of the registered holder(s) (which term, for
the purposes of this Letter of Transmittal, shall include any participant in
DTC) of the Original Debentures tendered hereby should be printed above, if they
are not already set forth above, as they appear on the Certificates representing
such Original Debentures. The Certificate number(s) of the Original Debentures
that the undersigned wishes to tender should be indicated in the appropriate
boxes above.
 
     If any tendered Original Debentures are not exchanged pursuant to the
Exchange Offer for any reason, or if Certificates are submitted for more
Original Debentures than are tendered or accepted for exchange, Certificates for
such nonexchanged or nontendered Original Debentures will be returned (or, in
the case of Original Debentures tendered by book-entry transfer, such Original
Debentures will be credited to an account maintained at DTC), without expense to
the tendering holder, promptly following the expiration or termination of the
Exchange Offer.
 
     The undersigned understands that tenders of Original Debentures pursuant to
any one of the procedures described under "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for
Tendering Original Debentures" in the Prospectus and in the instructions herein
will, upon the Company's acceptance for exchange of such tendered Original
Debentures, constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the
Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
Offer. The undersigned recognizes that, under certain circumstances set forth in
the Prospectus, the Company may not be required to accept for exchange any of
the Original Debentures tendered hereby.
 
     Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled "Special Issuance
Instructions" below, the undersigned hereby directs that the Exchange Debentures
be issued in the name of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry
transfer of Original Debentures, that such Exchange Debentures be credited to
the account indicated above maintained at DTC. If applicable, substitute
Certificates representing Original Debentures not exchanged or not accepted for
exchange will be issued to the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry
transfer of Original Debentures, will be credited to the account indicated above
maintained at DTC. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery
Instructions" below, please deliver Exchange Debentures to the undersigned at
the address shown below the undersigned's signature.
 
     BY TENDERING ORIGINAL DEBENTURES AND EXECUTING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL,
OR EFFECTING DELIVERY OF AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF, THE UNDERSIGNED
HEREBY REPRESENTS AND AGREES THAT (i) THE UNDERSIGNED IS NOT AN "AFFILIATE" OF
THE COMPANY WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 405 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (ii) ANY
EXCHANGE DEBENTURES TO BE RECEIVED BY THE UNDERSIGNED ARE BEING ACQUIRED IN THE
ORDINARY COURSE OF ITS BUSINESS, (iii) THE UNDERSIGNED HAS NO ARRANGEMENT OR
UNDERSTANDING WITH ANY PERSON TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISTRIBUTION (WITHIN THE
MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT) OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES TO BE RECEIVED IN THE
EXCHANGE OFFER, AND (iv) IF THE UNDERSIGNED IS NOT A BROKER-DEALER, THE
UNDERSIGNED IS NOT ENGAGED IN, AND DOES NOT INTEND TO ENGAGE IN, A DISTRIBUTION
(WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT) OF SUCH EXCHANGE DEBENTURES. BY
TENDERING ORIGINAL DEBENTURES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND EXECUTING THIS
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, OR EFFECTING DELIVERY OF AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU
THEREOF, A HOLDER OF ORIGINAL DEBENTURES WHICH IS A BROKER-DEALER REPRESENTS AND
AGREES, CONSISTENT WITH CERTAIN INTERPRETIVE LETTERS ISSUED BY THE STAFF OF THE
DIVISION OF CORPORATION FINANCE OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION TO
THIRD PARTIES, THAT (A) SUCH ORIGINAL DEBENTURES HELD BY THE BROKER-DEALER ARE
HELD ONLY AS A NOMINEE OR (B) SUCH ORIGINAL DEBENTURES WERE ACQUIRED BY SUCH
BROKER-DEALER FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF MARKET-MAKING OR OTHER TRADING
ACTIVITIES AND IT WILL DELIVER THE PROSPECTUS (AS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM
TIME TO TIME) MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IN CONNECTION WITH
ANY RESALE OF SUCH EXCHANGE DEBENTURES (PROVIDED THAT, BY SO ACKNOWLEDGING AND
BY DELIVERING A PROSPECTUS, SUCH BROKER-DEALER WILL NOT BE DEEMED TO ADMIT THAT
IT IS AN "UNDERWRITER" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT).
 
     THE COMPANY HAS AGREED THAT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE REGISTRATION
RIGHTS AGREEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME
TO TIME, MAY BE USED BY A PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH RESALES
OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR ORIGINAL DEBENTURES, WHERE SUCH
ORIGINAL DEBENTURES WERE ACQUIRED BY SUCH PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER FOR ITS
OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF MARKET-MAKING OR OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES, FOR A
PERIOD ENDING 180 DAYS AFTER THE EXPIRATION DATE (SUBJECT TO EXTENSION UNDER
CERTAIN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE PROSPECTUS) OR, IF EARLIER, WHEN
ALL SUCH EXCHANGE DEBENTURES HAVE BEEN DISPOSED OF BY SUCH PARTICIPATING
BROKER-DEALER. IN THAT REGARD, EACH PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER, BY TENDERING
SUCH ORIGINAL DEBENTURES AND EXECUTING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, OR EFFECTING
DELIVERY OF AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF, AGREES THAT, UPON RECEIPT OF
NOTICE FROM THE COMPANY OF THE OCCURRENCE OF ANY EVENT OR THE DISCOVERY OF ANY
FACT THAT MAKES ANY STATEMENT CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE
PROSPECTUS UNTRUE IN ANY MATERIAL RESPECT OR THAT CAUSES THE PROSPECTUS TO OMIT
TO STATE A MATERIAL FACT NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MAKE THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN, IN LIGHT OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH
THEY WERE MADE, NOT MISLEADING, OR OF THE OCCUR-
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
RENCE OF CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS SPECIFIED IN THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT,
SUCH PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER WILL SUSPEND THE SALE OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES
PURSUANT TO THE PROSPECTUS UNTIL THE COMPANY HAS AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED THE
PROSPECTUS TO CORRECT SUCH MISSTATEMENT OR OMISSION AND HAS FURNISHED COPIES OF
THE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED PROSPECTUS TO THE PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER, OR
THE COMPANY HAS GIVEN NOTICE THAT THE SALE OF THE EXCHANGE DEBENTURES MAY BE
RESUMED, AS THE CASE MAY BE. IF THE COMPANY GIVES SUCH NOTICE TO SUSPEND THE USE
OF THE PROSPECTUS, IT SHALL EXTEND THE 180-DAY PERIOD REFERRED TO ABOVE DURING
WHICH PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALERS ARE ENTITLED TO USE THE PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE RESALE OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES BY THE NUMBER OF DAYS DURING
THE PERIOD FROM AND INCLUDING THE DATE OF THE GIVING OF SUCH NOTICE TO AND
INCLUDING THE DATE WHEN PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALERS SHALL HAVE RECEIVED COPIES
OF THE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED PROSPECTUS NECESSARY TO PERMIT RESALES OF THE
EXCHANGE DEBENTURES OR TO AND INCLUDING THE DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY HAS GIVEN
NOTICE THAT THE USE OF THE PROSPECTUS MAY BE RESUMED, AS THE CASE MAY BE.
 
     AS A RESULT, A PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER WHO INTENDS TO USE THE
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH RESALES OF EXCHANGE DEBENTURES RECEIVED IN
EXCHANGE FOR ORIGINAL DEBENTURES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER MUST NOTIFY THE
COMPANY, OR CAUSE THE COMPANY TO BE NOTIFIED, ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION
DATE, THAT IT IS A PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER. SUCH NOTICE MAY BE GIVEN IN THE
SPACE PROVIDED ABOVE OR MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AT THE ADDRESS
SET FORTH IN THE PROSPECTUS UNDER "THE EXCHANGE OFFER -- EXCHANGE AGENT."
 
     Holders of Original Debentures which are accepted for exchange will not
receive interest payments on such Original Debentures, and the undersigned
waives the right to receive any interest payments on such Original Debentures
accumulated from and after February 24, 1998. Accordingly, holders of Exchange
Debentures as of the record date for the payment of interest on August 15, 1998
will be entitled to receive interest accumulated from and after February 24,
1998.
 
     The undersigned agrees that acceptance of any tendered Original Debentures
and transfer of tendered Original Debentures in exchange therefor shall
constitute performance in full by the Company of its obligations under the
Registration Rights Agreement.
 
     The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional
documents deemed by the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the
sale, assignment and transfer of the Original Debentures tendered hereby. All
authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter of
Transmittal shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned and any
obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs,
executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy,
legal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as
stated in the Prospectus, this tender is irrevocable.
 
     THE UNDERSIGNED, BY COMPLETING THE BOX ENTITLED "DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL
DEBENTURES" ABOVE AND SIGNING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE
TENDERED THE ORIGINAL DEBENTURES AS SET FORTH IN SUCH BOX.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   7
 
                               HOLDERS SIGN HERE
                         (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2, 5 AND 6)
             (PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 CONTAINED HEREIN)
      (NOTE: SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED IF REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 2)
 
     Must be signed by registered holder(s) (which term, for purposes of this
Letter of Transmittal, shall include any participant in DTC) exactly as name(s)
appear(s) on Certificate(s) for the Original Debentures hereby tendered or on
the register of holders maintained by the Company, or by any person authorized
to become the registered holder by endorsements and documents transmitted
herewith (including such opinions of counsel, certifications and other
information as may be required by the Company for the Original Debentures to
comply with the restrictions on transfer applicable to the Original Debentures).
If signature is by an attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, trustee,
guardian, officer of a corporation or another acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, please set forth the signer's full title. See
Instruction 5.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (SIGNATURE OF HOLDER(S) OR AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY)
 
Date:
- --------------------------- , 1998
 
Name(s)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (PLEASE PRINT)
 
Capacity (full title)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
 
Area Code and Telephone Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Tax Identification or Social Security Number(s)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                             SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEE
                   (IF REQUIRED -- SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2 AND 5)
 
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                 (AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE)
 
Date:
- --------------------------- , 1998
 
Name of Eligible Institution Guaranteeing Signatures
- --------------------------------------------------------------
 
Capacity (full title)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (PLEASE PRINT)
 
Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
 
Area Code and Telephone Number
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   8
 
          ------------------------------------------------------------
 
                         SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
                         (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
 
        To be completed ONLY if the Exchange Debentures or any Original
   Debentures that are not tendered are to be issued in the name of someone
   other than the registered holder of the Original Debentures whose name
   appears above.
 
   Issue
 
   [ ] Exchange Debentures and/or
 
   [ ] Original Debentures not tendered
 
   to:
 
   Name
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   Address  ------------------------------------------------------------
 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
 
   Area Code
   and Telephone Number
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   Tax Identification or
   Social Security Number
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
          ==============================================================
 
                         SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
                         (SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
 
        To be completed ONLY if the Exchange Debentures or any Original
   Debentures that are not tendered are to be sent to someone other than the
   registered holder of the Original Debentures whose name appears above, or
   to such registered holder at an address other than that shown above.
 
   Mail
 
   [ ] Exchange Debentures and/or
 
   [ ] Original Debentures not tendered
 
   to:
 
   Name
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   Address  ------------------------------------------------------------
 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (INCLUDE ZIP CODE)
 
   Area Code
   and Telephone Number
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   Tax Identification or
   Social Security Number
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
          --------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   9
 
                                  INSTRUCTIONS
 
         FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
1.  DELIVERY OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES; GUARANTEED DELIVERY
    PROCEDURES.
 
     This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed either if (a) Certificates
are to be forwarded herewith or (b) tenders are to be made pursuant to the
procedures for tender by book-entry transfer set forth under "The Exchange
Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Original Debentures" in the Prospectus and an
Agent's Message is not delivered. Certificates, or book-entry confirmation of a
book-entry transfer of such Original Debentures into the Exchange Agent's
account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof),
properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees, or
an Agent's Message in lieu thereof, and any other documents required by this
Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set
forth herein on or prior to the Expiration Date. Original Debentures may be
tendered in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000 in aggregate
principal amount.
 
     Holders who wish to tender their Original Debentures and (i) whose Original
Debentures are not immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver their
Original Debentures, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents
to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or (iii) who cannot
complete the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer on or prior to the
Expiration Date, may tender their Original Debentures by properly completing and
duly executing a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed
delivery procedures set forth under "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for
Tendering Original Debentures" in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures:
(a) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution (as defined
below); (b) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery, substantially in the form made available by the Company, must be
received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date; and (c) the
Certificates (or a book-entry confirmation (as defined in the Prospectus))
representing all tendered Original Debentures, in proper form for transfer,
together with a Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof or Agent's Message
in lieu thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required
signature guarantees and any other documents required by this Letter of
Transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent within three New York Stock
Exchange trading days after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery, all as provided in "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering
Original Debentures" in the Prospectus.
 
     The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or transmitted
by facsimile or mail to the Exchange Agent and must include a guarantee by an
Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such Notice. For Original
Debentures to be properly tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery
procedure, the Exchange Agent must receive a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery on or
prior to the Expiration Date. As used herein and in the Prospectus, "Eligible
Institution" means a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Exchange Act as "an eligible guarantor institution," including (as such terms
are defined therein) (i) a bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities
broker or dealer or government securities broker or dealer; (iii) a credit
union; (iv) a national securities exchange, registered securities association or
clearing agency; or (v) a savings association that is a participant in a
Securities Transfer Association recognized program.
 
     THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE OPTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE TENDERING HOLDER,
AND THE DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE
AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED,
PROPERLY INSURED, OR AN OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. IN ALL CASES,
SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY ON OR PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION DATE. NO DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMPANY. DELIVERY OF
DOCUMENTS TO DTC DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
     The Company will not accept any alternative, conditional or contingent
tenders. Each tendering holder, by executing a Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof or Agent's Message in lieu thereof), waives any right to
receive any notice of the acceptance of such tender.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   10
 
2.  GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES.
 
     No signature guarantee on this Letter of Transmittal is required if:
 
          (i) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder
     (which term, for purposes of this Letter of Transmittal, shall include any
     participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the
     owner of the Original Debentures) of Original Debentures tendered herewith,
     unless such holder has completed either the box entitled "Special Issuance
     Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" above, or
 
          (ii) such Original Debentures are tendered for the account of a firm
     that is an Eligible Institution.
 
     In all other cases, an Eligible Institution must guarantee the signature on
this Letter of Transmittal. See Instruction 5.
 
3.  INADEQUATE SPACE.
 
     If the space provided in the box captioned "Description of Original
Debentures" is inadequate, the Certificate numbers and/or the principal amount
of Original Debentures and any other required information should be listed on a
separate signed schedule that is attached to this Letter of Transmittal.
 
4.  PARTIAL TENDERS AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS.
 
     Tenders of Original Debentures will be accepted only in integral multiples
of $1,000 in aggregate principal amount. If less than all the Original
Debentures evidenced by any Certificate submitted are to be tendered, fill in
the principal amount of Original Debentures that are to be tendered in the box
entitled "Principal Amount of Original Debentures Tendered (If Less than All)."
In such case, a new Certificate for the remainder of the Original Debentures
that were evidenced by the old Certificate will be sent to the holder of the
Original Debentures promptly after the Expiration Date, unless the appropriate
boxes on this Letter of Transmittal are completed. All Original Debentures
represented by Certificates delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to
have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
 
     Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Original Debentures may be
withdrawn at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date. In order for a
withdrawal to be effective on or prior to that time, a written or facsimile
transmission of such notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the
Exchange Agent at its address set forth above or in the Prospectus on or prior
to the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of
the person who tendered the Original Debentures to be withdrawn, the aggregate
liquidation amount of Original Debentures to be withdrawn, and (if Certificates
for Original Debentures have been tendered) the name of the registered holder of
the Original Debentures as set forth on the Certificate for the Original
Debentures, if different from that of the person who tendered such Original
Debentures. If Certificates for the Original Debentures have been delivered or
otherwise identified to the Exchange Agent, then prior to the physical release
of such Certificates for the Original Debentures, the tendering holder must
submit the serial numbers shown on the particular Certificates for the Original
Debentures to be withdrawn and the signature on the notice of withdrawal must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, except in the case of Original Debentures
tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. If Original Debentures have
been tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth under
"The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Original Debentures," the notice
of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be
credited with the withdrawal of Original Debentures, in which case a notice of
withdrawal will be effective if delivered to the Exchange Agent by written or
facsimile transmission on or prior to the Expiration Date. Withdrawals of
tenders of Original Debentures may not be rescinded. Original Debentures
properly withdrawn will not be deemed validly tendered for purposes of the
Exchange Offer, but may be retendered at any subsequent time on or prior to the
Expiration Date by following any of the procedures described in the Prospectus
under "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Original Debentures."
 
     All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company, in its
sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties.
None of the Company, any affiliates or assigns of the Company, the Exchange
Agent or any other person shall be under any duty to give any notification of
any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur any liability for
failure to give any such notification. Any Original Debentures that have been
tendered but are withdrawn on or prior to the Expiration Date will be returned
to the holder thereof without cost to such holder promptly after withdrawal.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
 
5.  SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, ASSIGNMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
Original Debentures tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond exactly
with the name(s) as written on the face of the Certificate(s) or on a security
position listing without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
 
     If any of the Original Debentures tendered hereby are owned of record by
two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
 
     If any tendered Original Debentures are registered in different names on
several Certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many
separate Letters of Transmittal (or facsimiles thereof or Agent's Messages in
lieu thereof) as there are different registrations of Certificates.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal or any Certificates or bond powers are signed
by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers
of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing and must submit proper evidence
satisfactory to the Company, in its sole discretion, of such persons' authority
to so act.
 
     When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered owner of the
Original Debentures listed and transmitted hereby, no endorsement of
Certificates or separate bond powers are required unless Exchange Debentures are
to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered holder.
Signatures on such Certificates or bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
 
     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered owner of the Original Debentures listed, the Certificates must be
endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed exactly as the name
of the registered owner appears on the Certificates, and also must be
accompanied by such opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as
the Company or the Exchange Agent may require in accordance with the
restrictions on transfer applicable to the Original Debentures. Signatures on
such Certificates or bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
6.  SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS.
 
     If Exchange Debentures are to be issued in the name of a person other than
the signer of this Letter of Transmittal, or if Exchange Debentures are to be
sent to someone other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or to an
address other than that shown above, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of
Transmittal should be completed. Certificates for Original Debentures not
exchanged will be returned by mail or, if tendered by book-entry transfer, by
crediting the account indicated above maintained at DTC unless the appropriate
boxes on this Letter of Transmittal are completed. See Instruction 4.
 
7.  IRREGULARITIES.
 
     The Company will determine, in its sole discretion, all questions as to the
form of documents, validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and
acceptance for exchange of any tender of Original Debentures, which
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Company reserves
the absolute right to reject any and all tenders determined by it not to be in
proper form or the acceptance of which, or exchange for, may, in the view of
counsel to the Company, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute
right, subject to applicable law, to waive any of the conditions of the Exchange
Offer set forth in the Prospectus under "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions to
Exchange Offer," or any conditions or irregularities in any tender of Original
Debentures of any particular holder whether or not similar conditions or
irregularities are waived in the case of other holders. The Company's
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including this
Letter of Transmittal and the instructions hereto) will be final and binding. No
tender of Original Debentures will be deemed to have been validly made until all
irregularities with respect to such tender have been cured or waived. The
Company, any affiliates or assigns of the Company, the Exchange Agent, or any
other person shall not be under a duty to give notification of any
irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for failure to give such
notification.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   12
 
8.  QUESTIONS, REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE AND ADDITIONAL COPIES.
 
     Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the Exchange Agent
at its address and telephone number set forth on the front of this Letter of
Transmittal. Additional copies of the Prospectus, the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery and this Letter of Transmittal may be obtained from the Exchange Agent
or from the holder's broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee.
 
9.  LOST, DESTROYED OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES.
 
     The holder should promptly notify the Exchange Agent if any Certificates
representing Original Debentures have been lost, destroyed or stolen. The holder
will then be instructed as to the steps that must be taken in order to replace
the Certificates. This Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be
processed until the procedures for replacing lost, destroyed or stolen
Certificates have been followed.
 
10.  SECURITY TRANSFER TAXES.
 
     Holders who tender their Original Debentures for exchange will not be
obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection therewith. If, however,
Exchange Debentures are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of,
any person other than the registered holder of the Original Debentures tendered,
or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of
Original Debentures in connection with the Exchange Offer, then the amount of
any such transfer tax (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other
persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. The amount of such transfer
taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder if satisfactory evidence
of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with this
Letter of Transmittal.
 
11.  INCORPORATION OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
 
     This Letter of Transmittal shall be deemed to be incorporated in and
acknowledged and accepted by any tender through the DTC's ATOP procedures by any
participant in DTC on behalf of itself and the beneficial owners of any Original
Debentures so tendered.
 
12.  WAIVER OF CONDITIONS.
 
     The Company reserves the absolute right to waive satisfaction of any or all
conditions enumerated in the Prospectus.
 
13.  NO CONDITIONAL TENDERS.
 
     No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted. All
tendering holders of Original Debentures, by executing this Letter of
Transmittal, shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of
Original Debentures for exchange.
 
     None of the Company, the Exchange Agent or any other person is obligated to
give notice of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of Original
Debentures nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give any
such notice.
 
     IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR FACSIMILE HEREOF OR AN AGENT'S
MESSAGE IN LIEU HEREOF) AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE
EXCHANGE AGENT AT OR PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION
DATE.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   13
 
                           IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
 
     Under federal income tax law, a holder whose tendered Original Debentures
are accepted for exchange is required by law to provide the Exchange Agent with
such holder's correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN") on the Substitute
Form W-9 included herein or otherwise establish a basis for exemption from
backup withholding. If such holder is an individual, the TIN is his or her
social security number. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct
TIN, the Internal Revenue Service may subject the holder or transferee to a $50
penalty. In addition, delivery of such holder's Exchange Debentures may be
subject to backup withholding. Failure to comply truthfully with the backup
withholding requirements also may result in the imposition of severe criminal
and/or civil fines and penalties.
 
     Certain holders (including, among others, all corporations and certain
foreign persons) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting
requirements. Exempt holders should furnish their TIN, write "Exempt" on the
face of the Substitute Form W-9, and sign, date and return the Substitute Form
W-9 to the Exchange Agent. A foreign person, including entities, may qualify as
an exempt recipient by submitting to the Exchange Agent a properly completed
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting
to that holder's foreign status. See the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification
of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional
instructions.
 
     If backup withholding applies, the Exchange Agent is required to withhold
31% of any payments made to the holder or other transferee. Backup withholding
is not an additional federal income tax. Rather, the federal income tax
liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount
of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may
be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.
 
PURPOSE OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
 
     To prevent backup withholding on payments made with respect to Original
Debentures exchanged in the Exchange Offer, the holder is required to provide
the Exchange Agent with either: (i) the holder's correct TIN by completing the
form included herein, certifying that the TIN provided on Substitute Form W-9 is
correct (or that such holder is awaiting a TIN) and that (a) the holder has not
been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that the holder is subject to
backup withholding as a result of failure to report all interest or dividends or
(b) the Internal Revenue Service has notified the holder that the holder is no
longer subject to backup withholding; or (ii) an adequate basis for exemption.
 
     The box in Part 2 of the Substitute Form W-9 may be checked if the
tendering holder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends
to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the box in Part 2 is checked, the
holder or other payee must also complete the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer
Identification Number below in order to avoid backup withholding.
Notwithstanding that the box in Part 2 is checked and the Certificate of
Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number is completed, the Exchange Agent will
withhold 31% of all payments made prior to the time a properly certified TIN is
provided to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will retain such amounts
withheld during the 60-day period following the date of the Substitute Form W-9.
If the holder furnishes the Exchange Agent with its TIN within 60 days after the
date of the Substitute Form W-9, the amounts retained during the 60-day period
will be remitted to the holder and no further amounts shall be retained or
withheld from payments made to the holder thereafter. If, however, the holder
has not provided the Exchange Agent with its TIN within such 60-day period,
amounts withheld will be remitted to the Internal Revenue Service as backup
withholding. In addition, 31% of all payments made thereafter will be withheld
and remitted to the Internal Revenue Service until a correct TIN is provided.
 
NUMBER TO GIVE THE EXCHANGE AGENT
 
     The holder is required to give the Exchange Agent the TIN (e.g., social
security number or employer identification number) of the registered holder of
the Original Debentures or of the last transferee appearing on the transfers
attached to, or endorsed on, the Original Debentures. If the Original Debentures
are held in more than one name or are held not in the name of the actual owner,
consult the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification
Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional guidance on which number to
report.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   14
TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING SECURITYHOLDERS
PAYOR'S NAME: THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>                       <C>        
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SUBSTITUTE                                              PART 1 -- PLEASE          Social Security
 FORM W-9                                                PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN       Number or
 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURER INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE    THE BOX AT RIGHT AND      Employer
                                                         CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND    Identification Number
 PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER                            DATING BELOW.
 IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ("TIN")                                                     TIN:
                                                                                   --------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PART 2 -- Awaiting TIN [ ]
 CERTIFICATION -- UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT:
 (1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or am waiting for a
     number to be issued to me) and
 (2) I am not subject to backup withholding either because (i) I am exempt from backup withholding, (ii)
     I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") that I am subject to backup
     withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, (iii) or the IRS has
     notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
 (3) Any other information provided in this form is true and correct.
      CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS -- You must cross out item (2) above if you have been notified by the
 IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because of underreporting interest or
 dividends on your tax return. However, if after being notified by the IRS that you were subject to
 backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you are no longer subject to
 backup withholding, do not cross out such item (2).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 SIGNATURE -------------------------------------------------------------  DATE
 ----------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 MAY RESULT IN WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY
       PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU. PLEASE REVIEW THE GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
       NUMBER ON FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
 
 YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU
   CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 2 OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
     I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to
 me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification
 number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or
 (b) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not
 provide a taxpayer identification number by the time of payment, 31% of all reportable payments made to
 me will be withheld, but that such amounts will be refunded to me if I then provide a Taxpayer
 Identification Number within 60 days.
 
 -------------------------------------------------------------
 ------------------------------------------------------ , 1998
                            Signature                                                      Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       14

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.2
 
                    NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY FOR TENDER
              OF 6 5/8% ORIGINAL DEBENTURES DUE FEBRUARY 15, 2038
                             OF THE BOEING COMPANY
 
     This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or one substantially equivalent to this
form, must be used to accept the Exchange Offer (as defined below) if (i)
certificates for the Company's (as defined below) 6 5/8% Debentures due February
15, 2038 (the "Original Debentures") are not immediately available, (ii)
Original Debentures, the Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents
cannot be delivered to The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Exchange Agent") on or
prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus defined below), or
(iii) the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer cannot be completed on
a timely basis. This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand,
overnight courier or mail, or transmitted by facsimile transmission, to the
Exchange Agent. See "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering Original
Debentures" in the Prospectus. In addition, in order to utilize the guaranteed
delivery procedure to tender Original Debentures pursuant to the Exchange Offer,
a completed, signed and dated Letter of Transmittal relating to the Original
Debentures (or facsimile thereof) must also be received by the Exchange Agent on
or prior to the Expiration Date. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein
have the meanings assigned to them in the Prospectus.
 
     The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer Is:
 
                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
   By Mail, Hand or Overnight Delivery:                 By Facsimile
          The Chase Manhattan Bank                      Transmission:
               55 Water Street                          (For Eligible
          Room 234, North Building                    Institutions Only)
          New York, New York 10041
          Attention: Carlos Esteves                     (212) 638-7375
                                                     Confirm by Telephone:
                                                 Carlos Esteves (212) 638-0828
</TABLE>
 
     DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS
SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY VIA
FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID
DELIVERY.
 
     This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is not to be used to guarantee
signatures. If a signature on a Letter of Transmittal is required to be
guaranteed by an "Eligible Institution" under the instructions thereto, such
signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided in the
signature box on the Letter of Transmittal.
<PAGE>   2
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     The undersigned hereby tenders to The Boeing Company, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Prospectus dated May   , 1998 (as the same may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus"), and the related Letter of
Transmittal (which together constitute the "Exchange Offer"), receipt of which
is hereby acknowledged, the aggregate principal amount of Original Debentures
set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the
Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering
Original Debentures."
 
Aggregate Principal Amount
                           -----------------------------------------------------
 
Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):
                                 -----------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Amount Tendered: $                                                             *
                   -------------------------------------------------------------
 
Certificate No.(s) (if available):
                                   ---------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
(Total Principal Amount Represented by Original Debentures Certificate(s))
 
$
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
If Original Debentures will be tendered by book-entry transfer, provide the
following information:
 
DTC Account Number:
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
Date:
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
* Must be in integral multiples of $1,000 in aggregate principal amount.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death
or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned
hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors
and assigns of the undersigned.
 
                                PLEASE SIGN HERE
 
x
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
x
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             SIGNATURE(S) OF OWNER(S) OR DATE AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         AREA CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
 
Must be signed by the holder(s) of the Original Debentures as their name(s)
appear(s) on certificates for Original Debentures or on a security position
listing, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by
endorsement and documents transmitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian,
attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such person must set forth his or her full title below.
 
Please print name(s) and address(es)
 
Name(s):
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capacity:
          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Address(es):
             -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                        2

<PAGE>   1
 
                                   GUARANTEE
                    (NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
 
The undersigned, a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as an "eligible guarantor
institution," including (as such terms are defined therein): (i) a bank; (ii) a
broker, dealer, municipal securities broker or dealer or government securities
broker or dealer; (iii) a credit union; (iv) a national securities exchange,
registered securities association or clearing agency; or (v) a savings
association that is a participant in a Securities Transfer Association
recognized program, hereby guarantees to deliver to the Exchange Agent, at its
address set forth above, either the Original Debentures tendered hereby in
proper form for transfer, or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such
Original Debentures to the Exchange Agent's account at The Depository Trust
Company, pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in the
Prospectus, in either case together with one or more properly completed and duly
executed Letter(s) of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other required
documents within three business days after the date of execution of this Notice
of Guaranteed Delivery.
 
The undersigned acknowledges that it must deliver the Letter(s) of Transmittal
and the Original Debentures tendered hereby to the Exchange Agent within the
time period set forth above and that failure to do so could result in a
financial loss to the undersigned.
 
                             (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
Name of Firm:
- -----------------------------------------------
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
Address:
- -----------------------------------------------    Name:
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   
- -----------------------------------------------    Title:
                                       Zip Code    -----------------------------
Area Code and                                       
Telephone Number:                                  Dated:                 , 1996
- -----------------------------------------------    -----------------------------
                                               
 
NOTE: DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES FOR ORIGINAL DEBENTURES WITH THIS FORM.
      CERTIFICATES FOR ORIGINAL DEBENTURES SHOULD ONLY BE SENT WITH YOUR LETTER
      OF TRANSMITTAL.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   2
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.3
 
                                                                          , 1998
 
                            EXCHANGE AGENT AGREEMENT
 
The Chase Manhattan Bank
450 West 33rd Street, 15th Floor
New York, New York 10001
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
     The Boeing Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes to
make an offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange up to $300,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of its 6 5/8% Debentures due February 15, 2038 (the "Exchange
Debentures"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, for a like principal amount of its outstanding 6 5/8% Debentures due
February 15, 2038 (the "Original Debentures"), of which $300,000,000 aggregate
principal amount is outstanding. The terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer
as currently contemplated are set forth in a Prospectus (the "Prospectus"),
distributed to record holders of the Original Debentures on           , 1998.
The Original Debentures and the Exchange Debentures are collectively referred to
herein as the "Debentures." Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise
defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Prospectus.
 
     The Company hereby appoints The Chase Manhattan Bank to act as exchange
agent (the "Exchange Agent") in connection with the Exchange Offer. References
hereinafter to "you" shall refer to The Chase Manhattan Bank.
 
     The Exchange Offer is expected to be commenced by the Company on or about
          , 1998. The Letter of Transmittal accompanying the Prospectus is to be
used by the holders of the Original Debentures to accept the Exchange Offer and
contains certain instructions with respect to (i) the delivery of certificates
for Original Debentures tendered in connection therewith, (ii) the book entry
transfer of Debentures to the Exchange Agent's account at The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC"), and (iii) other matters relating to the Exchange Offer.
 
     The Exchange Offer shall expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
          , 1998 or on such later date or time to which the Company may extend
the Exchange Offer (the "Expiration Date"). Subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in the Prospectus, the Company expressly reserves the right to extend
the Exchange Offer from time to time by giving oral (to be confirmed in writing)
or written notice to you no later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
business day following the previously scheduled Expiration Date.
 
     The Company expressly reserves the right to amend or terminate the Exchange
Offer, and not to accept for exchange any Original Debentures not theretofore
accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the
Exchange Offer specified in the Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange
Offer -- Conditions to the Exchange Offer." The Company will give oral (to be
confirmed in writing) or written notice of any amendment, termination or
nonacceptance of Original Debentures to you as promptly as practicable.
 
     In carrying out your duties as Exchange Agent, you are to act in accordance
with the following instructions:
 
          1. You will perform such duties and only such duties as are
     specifically set forth herein and such duties that are necessarily
     incidental thereto; provided, however, that in no way will your general
     duty to act in good faith be discharged by the foregoing.
 
          2. You will establish an account with respect to the Original
     Debentures at DTC (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility") for purposes of the
     Exchange Offer within two business days after the date of the Prospectus,
     and any financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry
     Transfer Facility's systems may make book-entry delivery of the Original
     Debentures by causing the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such
     Original Debentures into your account in accordance with the Book-Entry
     Transfer Facility's procedure for such transfer.
 
          3. You are to examine each of the Letters of Transmittal, certificates
     for Original Debentures (or confirmations of book-entry transfers into your
     account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility) and any Agent's Message or
     other documents delivered or mailed to you by or for holders of the
     Original Debentures to ascertain whether (i) the Letters of Transmittal and
     any such other documents are duly executed and properly completed in
     accordance with instructions set forth therein and (ii) the Original
     Debentures have otherwise been properly tendered. In each case
<PAGE>   3
 
     where the Letter of Transmittal or any other document has been improperly
     completed or executed or any of the certificates for Original Debentures
     are not in proper form for transfer or some other irregularity in
     connection with the acceptance of the Exchange Offer exists, you will
     endeavor to inform the presenters of the need for fulfillment of all
     requirements and to take any other action as may be necessary or advisable
     to cause such irregularity to be corrected.
 
          4. With the approval of any person designated in writing by the
     Company (a "Designated Officer") (such approval, if given orally, to be
     confirmed in writing) or any other party designated by any such Designated
     Officer in writing, you are authorized to waive any irregularities in
     connection with any tender of Original Debentures pursuant to the Exchange
     Offer.
 
          5. Tenders of Original Debentures may be made only as set forth in the
     Letter of Transmittal and in the section of the Prospectus captioned "The
     Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering Original Debentures," and Original
     Debentures shall be considered properly tendered to you only when tendered
     in accordance with the procedures set forth therein.
 
          Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph 5, Original
     Debentures that the Designated Officer of the Company shall approve as
     having been properly tendered shall be considered to be properly tendered
     (such approval, if given orally, shall be confirmed in writing).
 
          6. You shall advise the Company with respect to any Original
     Debentures delivered subsequent to the Expiration Date and accept their
     instructions with respect to the disposition of such Original Debentures.
 
          7. You shall accept tenders:
 
             (a) in cases where the Original Debentures are registered in two or
        more names only if signed by all named holders;
 
             (b) in cases where the signing person (as indicated on the Letter
        of Transmittal) is acting in a fiduciary or a representative capacity
        only when proper evidence of such person's authority to so act is
        submitted; and
 
             (c) from persons other than the registered holder of Original
        Debentures provided that customary transfer requirements, including
        payment of any applicable transfer taxes, are fulfilled.
 
          You shall accept partial tenders of Original Debentures where so
     indicated and as permitted in the Letter of Transmittal and deliver
     certificates for Original Debentures to the transfer agent for split-up and
     return any untendered Original Debentures to the holder (or to such other
     person as may be designated in the Letter of Transmittal) as promptly as
     practicable after expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.
 
          8. Upon satisfaction or waiver of all the conditions to the Exchange
     Offer, the Company will notify you (such notice, if given orally, to be
     confirmed in writing) of the Company's acceptance, promptly after the
     Expiration Date, of all Original Debentures properly tendered and you, on
     behalf of the Company, will exchange such Original Debentures for Exchange
     Debentures and cause such Original Debentures to be canceled. Delivery of
     Exchange Debentures will be made on behalf of the Company by you at the
     rate of $1,000 principal amount of Exchange Debentures for each $1,000
     principal amount of the Original Debentures tendered promptly after notice
     (such notices, if given orally, to be confirmed in writing) of acceptance
     of said Original Debentures by the Company; provided, however, that in all
     cases Original Debentures tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
     exchanged only after timely receipt by you of certificates for such
     Original Debentures (or confirmation of book-entry transfer into your
     account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), a properly completed and duly
     executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) with any required
     signature guarantees (or an Agent's Message in lieu thereof) and any other
     required documents. You shall issue Exchange Debentures only in
     denominations of $1,000 or in any integral multiple in excess thereof.
     Original Debentures may be tendered in whole or in part in integral
     multiples of $1,000 in aggregate principal amount.
 
          9. Tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer are irrevocable, except
     that, subject to the terms and upon the conditions set forth in the
     Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, Original Debentures tendered
     pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time on or prior to
     the Expiration Date.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
          10. The Company shall not be required to exchange any Original
     Debentures tendered if any of the conditions set forth in the Exchange
     Offer are not met. Notice of any decision by the Company not to exchange
     any Original Debentures tendered shall be given (such notice, if given
     orally, shall be confirmed in writing) by the Company to you.
 
          11. If, pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the Company does not accept
     for exchange all or part of the Original Debentures tendered because of an
     invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth in the
     Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions to the
     Exchange Offer" or otherwise, you shall as soon as practicable after the
     expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer return those certificates
     for unaccepted Original Debentures (or effect the appropriate book-entry
     transfer of the unaccepted Original Debentures), together with any related
     required documents and the Letter of Transmittal relating thereto that are
     in your possession, to the persons who deposited them.
 
          12. All certificates for reissued Original Debentures, unaccepted
     Original Debentures or Exchange Debentures shall be forwarded by (a)
     first-class mail, return receipt requested, under a blanket surety bond
     protecting you and the Company from loss or liability arising out of the
     nonreceipt or nondelivery of such certificates or (b) registered mail
     insured separately for the replacement value of each of such certificates.
 
          13. You are not authorized to pay or offer to pay any concessions,
     commissions or solicitation fees to any broker, dealer, bank or other
     persons or to engage or utilize any person to solicit tenders.
 
        14. As Exchange Agent hereunder, you
 
             (a) will be regarded as making no representations and having no
        responsibilities as to the validity, sufficiency, value or genuineness
        of any of the certificates or the Original Debentures represented
        thereby deposited with you pursuant to the Exchange Offer, and will not
        be required to and will make no representation as to the validity, value
        or genuineness of the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no way
        will your general duty to act in good faith be discharged by the
        foregoing;
 
             (b) shall not be obligated to take any legal action hereunder that
        might in your reasonable judgment involve any expense or liability,
        unless you shall have been furnished with reasonable indemnity
        satisfactory to you;
 
             (c) may conclusively rely on and shall be fully protected in acting
        in good faith in reliance upon any certificate, instrument, opinion,
        notice, letter, facsimile or other document or security delivered to you
        and reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed by
        the proper party or parties;
 
             (d) may conclusively act upon any tender, statement, request,
        agreement or other instrument whatsoever not only as to its due
        execution and validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as
        to the truth and accuracy of any information contained therein that you
        shall in good faith reasonably believe to be genuine or to have been
        signed or represented by a proper person or persons;
 
             (e) may conclusively rely on and shall be fully protected in acting
        upon written or oral instructions from any Designated Officer of the
        Company with respect to the Exchange Offer;
 
             (f) shall not advise any person tendering Original Debentures
        pursuant to the Exchange Offer as to the wisdom of making such tender or
        as to the market value or decline or appreciation in market value of any
        Original Debentures; and
 
             (g) may consult with your counsel with respect to any questions
        relating to your duties and responsibilities, and the written opinion or
        advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
        protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by you
        hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such written opinion of
        such counsel.
 
          15. You shall take such action as may from time to time be requested
     by any Designated Officer of the Company (and such other action as you may
     reasonably deem appropriate) to furnish copies of the Prospectus, the
     Letter of Transmittal and the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or such other
     forms as may be approved from time to time by the Company, to all persons
     requesting such documents and to accept and comply with telephone requests
     for information relating to the Exchange Offer, provided that such
     information shall relate only to the procedures for
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     accepting (or withdrawing from) the Exchange Offer. The Company shall
     furnish you with copies of such documents at your request.
 
          16. You shall advise by facsimile transmission or telephone, and
     promptly thereafter confirm in writing to Robert B. Stone, Assistant
     Treasurer, and such other person or persons as the Company may request,
     daily (and more frequently during the week immediately preceding the
     Expiration Date and if otherwise requested) up to and including the
     Expiration Date, as to the principal amount of the Original Debentures that
     have been tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and the items received by
     you pursuant to this Agreement, separately reporting and giving cumulative
     totals as to items properly received and items improperly received and
     items covered by Notices of Guaranteed Delivery. In addition, you will also
     inform, and cooperate in making available to, the Company or any such other
     person or persons as the Company requests from time to time prior to the
     Expiration Date of such other information as they or such person or persons
     reasonably request. Such cooperation shall include, without limitation, the
     granting by you to the Company and such person as the Company may request
     of access to those persons on your staff who are responsible for receiving
     tenders, in order to ensure that immediately prior to the Expiration Date
     the Company shall have received information in sufficient detail to enable
     it to decide whether to extend the Exchange Offer. You shall prepare a list
     of persons who failed to tender or whose tenders were not accepted and the
     aggregate principal amount of Original Debentures not tendered or Original
     Debentures not accepted, and deliver said list to the Company at least
     seven days prior to the Expiration Date. You shall also prepare a final
     list of all persons whose tenders were accepted, the aggregate principal
     amount of Original Debentures tendered and the aggregate principal amount
     of Original Debentures accepted, and deliver said list to the Company.
 
          17. Letters of Transmittal and Notices of Guaranteed Delivery shall be
     stamped by you as to the date and the time of receipt thereof and shall be
     preserved by you for a period of time at least equal to the period of time
     you preserve other records pertaining to the transfer of securities. You
     shall dispose of unused Letters of Transmittal and other surplus materials
     by returning them to the Company at the address set forth below for
     notices.
 
          18. For services rendered as Exchange Agent hereunder, you shall be
     entitled to compensation and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket
     expenses (including fees and expenses of your counsel, which fees are
     expected under normal circumstances not to exceed $5,000) incurred in
     connection with the Exchange Offer.
 
          19. You hereby acknowledge receipt of the Prospectus and the Letter of
     Transmittal and further acknowledge that you have examined each of them to
     the extent necessary to perform your duties hereunder. Any inconsistency
     between this Agreement, on the one hand, and the Prospectus and the Letter
     of Transmittal (as they may be amended from time to time), on the other
     hand, shall be resolved in favor of the latter two documents, except with
     respect to the duties, liabilities and indemnification of you as Exchange
     Agent, which shall be controlled by this Agreement.
 
          20. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold you harmless in your
     capacity as Exchange Agent hereunder against any liability, cost or
     expense, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or in
     connection with any act, omission, delay or refusal made by you in
     reasonable reliance upon any signature, endorsement, assignment,
     certificate, order, request, notice, instruction or other instrument or
     document reasonably believed by you to be valid, genuine and sufficient and
     in accepting any tender or effecting any transfer of Original Debentures
     reasonably believed by you in good faith to be authorized, and in delaying
     or refusing in good faith to accept any tenders or effect any transfer of
     Original Debentures; provided, however, that the Company shall not be
     liable for indemnification or otherwise for any loss, liability, cost or
     expense to the extent arising out of your negligence, willful breach of
     this Agreement, willful misconduct or bad faith. In no case shall the
     Company be liable under this indemnity with respect to any claim against
     you unless the Company shall be notified by you, by letter or cable or by
     facsimile confirmed by letter, of the written assertion of a claim against
     you or of any other action commenced against you, promptly after you shall
     have received any such written assertion or commencement of action. The
     Company shall be entitled to participate at its own expense in the defense
     of any such claim or other action, and, if the Company so elects, shall
     assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any such claim. In the
     event that the Company shall assume the defense of any such suit, it shall
     not be liable for the fees and expenses of any additional counsel
     thereafter retained by you so long as the Company shall retain counsel
     reasonably satisfactory to you to defend such suit. You shall not
     compromise or settle any such action or claim without the consent of the
     Company.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
          21. This Agreement and your appointment as Exchange Agent hereunder
     shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of
     New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely within
     such state, and without regard to conflicts of law principles, and shall
     inure to the benefit of, and the obligations created hereby shall be
     binding upon, the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto.
 
          22. All communications, including notices, required or permitted to be
     given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
     given if (i) delivered personally with receipt acknowledged, (ii) sent by
     registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, (iii) transmitted
     by facsimile (which shall be confirmed by telephone and by a writing sent
     by registered or certified mail on the business day that such facsimile is
     sent), or (iv) sent by recognized overnight courier for next business day
     delivery, addressed to the parties at the addresses or facsimile numbers as
     any party shall hereafter specify by communication to the other parties in
     the manner provided herein:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
Company:                                  The Boeing Company
                                            7755 East Marginal Way South
                                            Seattle, Washington 98108
                                            Fax No.: (213) 683-0457
                                            Attention: Rob Stone, Assistant
                                            Treasurer
with a copy to:                           Perkins Coie LLP
                                            1201 Third Avenue, 40th Floor
                                            Seattle, Washington 98101-3099
                                            Fax No.: (206) 583-8500
                                            Attention: Andrew Bor
Exchange Agent:                           The Chase Manhattan Bank
                                            450 W. 33rd Street
                                            15th Floor
                                            New York, New York 10001-2697
                                            Fax No.: (212) 946-8158
                                            Attention: James Freeman
with a copy to:                           Dewey Ballantine
                                            1301 Avenue of the Americas
                                            New York, New York 10019-6092
                                            Fax No.: (212) 259-6333
                                            Attention: Charles Hager
</TABLE>
 
          23. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each
     of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together
     shall constitute one and the same agreement.
 
          24. In case any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal
     or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
     remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
     Please acknowledge receipt of this Agreement and confirm the arrangements
herein provided by signing and returning the enclosed copy.
 
                                      THE BOEING COMPANY
 
                                      By:
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Name:
                                          Title:
 
Accepted as of the date
first above written:
 
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
as Exchange Agent
 
By:
    ------------------------------------------------
    Name:
    Title:
 
                                        6


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