Published: Thursday, February 21, 2008
Boeing tanker deliveries start
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The Boeing Co.
Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767 tankers extend their aerial refueling booms during a recent test flight.
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The Boeing Co.
Japan's first KC-767 Tanker sits on the tarmac in Gifu, Japan, after a 12-hour flight from Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facilities in Wichita, Kan.
EVERETT -- The Boeing Co. has delivered Japan the first aerial refueling tanker in that country's history as the aerospace company awaits an answer on a coveted U.S. tanker contract.
"This delivery also confirms Boeing's standing as the world's leading provider of aerial refueling tankers and continues our company's proud 75-year history of producing tankers," said Jim Albaugh, president of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, in a written statement Wednesday.
Boeing delivered the first of four KC-767 tankers to Itochu Corp. for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force. The company is more than a year late in delivering the tanker, after suffering technical and certification setbacks. Boeing is ready to hand over the second tanker as soon as Japan gives official approval of the first.
The delivery comes possibly days before the U.S. Air Force announces the winner of a $40 billion contract to replace 179 of its aging KC-135 tankers. Boeing is competing against Northrop Grumman-EADS for the deal.
Chicago-based Boeing has offered the Air Force a slightly different version of its KC-767 than the one it is building for Japan. The company would build the tankers in Everett with workers in Wichita, Kan., completing the military applications.
Boeing also is building four 767-based tankers for Italy. It has fallen more than two years behind schedule on the Italian tankers, but it plans to deliver the first two 767 tankers to Italy this year.
Northrop-EADS has pitched the U.S. Air Force its KC-30 tanker, modeled after Airbus's A330 commercial jet. EADS is the parent company of Airbus, but the duo will build its tanker in Mobile, Ala. instead of Europe. The KC-30 has enjoyed some international contracts as well, including the governments of Australia, the U.K., and Saudi Arabia.
The Air Force has said it could announce a winner by the end of next week.
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
"This delivery also confirms Boeing's standing as the world's leading provider of aerial refueling tankers and continues our company's proud 75-year history of producing tankers," said Jim Albaugh, president of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, in a written statement Wednesday.
Boeing delivered the first of four KC-767 tankers to Itochu Corp. for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force. The company is more than a year late in delivering the tanker, after suffering technical and certification setbacks. Boeing is ready to hand over the second tanker as soon as Japan gives official approval of the first.
The delivery comes possibly days before the U.S. Air Force announces the winner of a $40 billion contract to replace 179 of its aging KC-135 tankers. Boeing is competing against Northrop Grumman-EADS for the deal.
Chicago-based Boeing has offered the Air Force a slightly different version of its KC-767 than the one it is building for Japan. The company would build the tankers in Everett with workers in Wichita, Kan., completing the military applications.
Boeing also is building four 767-based tankers for Italy. It has fallen more than two years behind schedule on the Italian tankers, but it plans to deliver the first two 767 tankers to Italy this year.
Northrop-EADS has pitched the U.S. Air Force its KC-30 tanker, modeled after Airbus's A330 commercial jet. EADS is the parent company of Airbus, but the duo will build its tanker in Mobile, Ala. instead of Europe. The KC-30 has enjoyed some international contracts as well, including the governments of Australia, the U.K., and Saudi Arabia.
The Air Force has said it could announce a winner by the end of next week.
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
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