Boeing delivers UAE air force and air defence first C-17

Press release

Published May 11th, 2011 - 09:37 GMT

Boeing C-17 Program Manager Bob Ciesla during the delivery ceremony for the UAE's first C-17, held in Long Beach, California

Boeing announced today that it delivered the first of six C-17 Globemaster III airlifters to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence during a ceremony at the company’s final assembly facility in Long Beach.

“It is with great pride that we accept delivery of our first C-17, which will help expand our ability to perform humanitarian and strategic-lift missions in the region and around the world,” said Major General Staff Pilot Mohammed bin Suwaidan Saeed Al Qamzi, UAE Air Force and Air Defence commander. “The C-17’s advanced capabilities, high reliability, and mission readiness rate met all of our requirements.”

The UAE will take delivery of three more C-17s this year and two in 2012 as it modernizes its airlift capabilities.

"Congratulations to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence as they join the worldwide community of C-17 operators," said Chris Chadwick, president, Boeing Military Aircraft, who attended the ceremony in Long Beach. “We pledge that your commitment to the C-17 will be backed up by Boeing’s expertise, support and dedication – wherever your crews fly the finest airlifter the world has ever known.”

“I want to congratulate the UAE Air Force and Air Defence on the delivery today in the United States of the UAE’s first C-17 Globemaster III,” said Dennis Muilenburg, president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

“The C-17 is the world’s gold standard for reliability and on-time deliveries and performance, capabilities that make the C-17 the best airlifter choice for our valued customers, like the UAE,” Muilenburg said.

Muilenburg was in the UAE during the ceremony meeting with key leadership as part of Boeing’s continuing partnership with the country.

As a member of the worldwide C-17 “virtual fleet,” the UAE’s C-17s will be supported through Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a proven multi-national Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) program. Through the virtual fleet concept, C-17 customers receive comprehensive worldwide logistics support (spares, support equipment, tech orders, sustaining engineering, and on-site field teams) through utilization of shared resources across the entire C-17 fleet. This highly successful program ensures high levels of mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers – regardless of fleet size – cost effective access to an extensive support program.

"The C-17’s strategic and tactical capabilities will serve the UAE well,” said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager. “No other airlifter can transport large payloads across vast ranges without refueling, land on short, austere runways, and operate in extremely hot and cold climates.”

With a full payload of 170,000 pounds, the C-17 can fly 2,400 nautical miles and land in 3,000 feet or less.

There are currently 231 C-17s in service worldwide – 21 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force, including active Guard and Reserve units, has 210. Other international customers include the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide.

Background Information

Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support. As America’s biggest manufacturing exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.