Two Boeing 767 tankers enter service in Italy
Published 9:47 am Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Two of the Boeing Co.’s 767-based tankers have entered service with Italy’s Air Force, the company said Tuesday.
“The KC-767 tankers will significantly increase Italy’s military capability as the country performs vital missions in support of NATO and regional interests,” said Scott Wuesthoff, International Tanker program manager for Boeing. “The deliveries also reaffirm Boeing’s standing as the world’s leading provider of aerial refueling tankers.”
Boeing delivered the tankers to Italy’s Air Force on Dec. 29 and March 10. Italian crews have completed several training missions with the Boeing tankers since receiving the aircraft.
The tankers are the first two in an order of four 767-based tankers for Italy. Boeing said on Tuesday that it plans to deliver the third tanker this summer and the fourth soon thereafter.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force selected Boeing to replace 179 of its Eisenhower-era KC-135 tankers, also built by Boeing, with 767-based tankers.
