DAVENPORT, Iowa, May 12, 2010 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that Iowa will benefit from approximately 800 jobs and an estimated $40 million in annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force’s next aerial refueling aircraft.

Rockwell Collins, based in Cedar Rapids and a Boeing first-tier supplier in Iowa, will provide the same advanced-flight-deck technology that is being supplied to the most advanced commercial airliner in existence — the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In addition to the flight deck, Rockwell Collins also will provide Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) software, aircraft networks and situational-awareness capability to support the tanker’s mission.

“In keeping with my jobs strategy of attracting high-paying jobs with benefits to Iowa, I am very encouraged with Boeing’s plan and will remain engaged in this process as we move closer to a better future for every hardworking Iowa family,” said Gov. Chet Culver.

“This project could have enormous impact on job creation in Iowa,” said U.S. Congressman David Loebsack. “The aerial refueling fleet is the foundation of every mission undertaken by our men and women in uniform and is a critical component of our national security. Iowa workers are among the best in the country, and I am proud of the role that they play in providing our brave troops with the equipment and resources they need to complete their missions safely. I would be proud for the next-generation tankers to be built by highly skilled Iowan innovators.”

Boeing currently works with 57 suppliers/vendors across Iowa, resulting in an estimated $459 million in annual economic impact.

The NewGen Tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane and updated with the latest and most advanced technology. Capable of fulfilling the Air Force’s needs for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients, the combat-ready NewGen Tanker is being offered as a replacement for 179 KC-135 aircraft. Boeing is writing a proposal to meet or exceed the 372 mandatory requirements described in the service’s final KC-X Request for Proposal released on Feb. 24. The Air Force is expected to award a contract later this year.

The NewGen Tanker will be made with a low-risk approach to manufacturing that relies on existing Boeing facilities in Washington state and Kansas as well as U.S. suppliers throughout the nation, with decades of experience delivering dependable military tanker and derivative aircraft. Nationwide, the NewGen Tanker program will support approximately 50,000 total U.S. jobs with Boeing and more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.

The Boeing NewGen Tanker also will be more cost-effective to own and operate than a larger, heavier tanker. It will save American taxpayers more than $10 billion in fuel costs over its 40-year service life because it burns 24 percent less fuel than the competitor’s airplane.

Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for decades. These include the KC-135 that will be replaced in the KC-X competition, and the KC-10 fleet. The company also has delivered four KC-767Js to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and is on contract to deliver four KC-767s to the Italian Air Force. Three of the four Italian tankers are in flight test, with the fourth airplane in production.

More information on Boeing’s NewGen Tanker, including video clips and an interactive tour of the aircraft, is available at www.UnitedStatesTanker.com. For more information on joining the company’s efforts, visit www.RealAmericanTankers.com.

EVERETT, Wash., — Boeing announced it began assembly of the first 747-8 Intercontinental at the factory in Everett, Wash. Late this week, mechanics took the first step in major assembly for the new airplane by loading its wing panels and spars in the assembly tools. The spar is the internal support structure that runs through the full length of the wing.

“This milestone symbolizes the dedication, focus and hard work that our team, suppliers and customers have invested in designing this wonderful airplane,” said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 747-8 Intercontinental will provide our customers with increased levels of passenger comfort, greatly improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions and noise.”

Deutsche Lufthansa AG was the first airline to order the new, fuel-efficient passenger airplane, contracting for 20 747-8 Intercontinentals, with purchase rights for an additional 20. “We are very pleased to see that the production on the 747-8 Intercontinental has begun,” said Nico Buchholz, senior vice president, Corporate Fleet of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “We are looking forward to welcoming the aircraft in our fleet as it is a component of Lufthansa’s strategy to modernize its fleet and increase environmental stewardship. The 747-8 shows our clear commitment to customer orientation.”

The new 747-8 Intercontinental is stretched 18.3 feet (5.6 m) from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats — 51 more than its predecessor — in a three-class configuration. GEnx-2B engines and a new wing design provide airlines a quieter, more fuel-efficient airplane. The 747-8 is 16 percent more fuel efficient and creates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than its predecessor. The 747-8 also provides nearly equivalent trip costs and 13 percent lower seat-mile costs than the 747-400, plus 26 percent greater cargo volume.
The 747-8 interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner, including a new curved, upswept architecture that gives passengers a greater sense of space and comfort while adding more room for personal belongings. The architecture is accentuated by lighting technology that provides smooth transitions for a more restful flight.

The 747-8, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental and the 747-8 Freighter, was launched in November 2005. Boeing has 108 orders for the 747-8 — 32 for the 747-8 Intercontinental and 76 for the 747-8 Freighter. The first 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled to deliver in late 2011.

From the Boeing 707 to the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
HAMBURG, May 8 — Lufthansa entered the jet age with Boeing (NYSE: BA) 50 years ago. The airline and airplane manufacturer, both pre-eminent in the aviation industry, can look back on half a century of close and successful cooperation. Neither company shies away from taking the next step forward or from pushing technology and innovation to the next level. Together, Lufthansa and Boeing constantly work on even more efficient and environmentally progressive airplanes.

Lufthansa began scheduled jet service with a Boeing 707 on a direct flight from Hamburg to New York on March 17, 1960. With this jetliner, Boeing accomplished a quantum leap: Seating 168 passengers, the new airplane accommodated nearly twice as many passengers as the biggest propeller-driven airplane of the time. Traveling at a higher altitude, the 707 reduced flying time from Hamburg to New York by half, to around eight hours.

Since then, the airline business has continued to advance on many fronts. New technologies and materials have made flying even safer and more efficient. Passenger comfort has risen to unprecedented levels. Fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 70 per cent since the 1970s. And for the future, the air transport industry continues to develop new design criteria, then evaluate and implement them.

Boeing and Lufthansa are taking their successful cooperation and shared commitment to innovation a major step forward with the introduction of the 747-8 Intercontinental. Lufthansa will soon be welcoming the latest Boeing model into its fleet. The airline placed orders with Boeing for a total of 20 747-8 Intercontinentals. The new 747-8 is cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient than its predecessor, the 747-400, and adopts the interior cabin architecture and lighting technologies inspired by the 787 Dreamliner.

SEATTLE, May 6 — Boeing and RwandAir today announced an order for two Next-Generation 737-800s.

Based in Kigali, Rwanda, the airline is renewing and expanding its fleet to broaden its network. RwandAir currently operates a fleet of regional jets.

“Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800s will enable us to eventually expand to regional hubs across Africa and the Middle East,” said John Mirenge, RwandAir chairman. “They will become the mainstay of our fleet.”

“Boeing is honored that RwandAir has selected the Next-Generation 737-800 to support its fleet and growth strategy,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The airplane offers reduced operating costs and environmental impact, as well as a new cabin interior that will delight RwandAir’s customers.”

The new 737 Boeing Sky Interior features bigger stowage bins that pivot up and out of the way, and sculpted side walls that draw attention to the windows. A new design creates a more open feel in the cabin with overhead lighting that resembles the sky.

CHICAGO, April 27, 2010 — The Boeing Company today named Pat Gaines as president of Boeing Korea, effective June 4.
In a move designed to continue the company’s success in Korea, Gaines will succeed Bill Oberlin, who will retire in July after 25 years with Boeing.

Gaines will lead Boeing’s enterprise-wide business in Korea, while strengthening the company’s local presence and finding new ways to pursue growth and productivity initiatives.

“Pat’s leadership experience in global business and operations align directly with our ongoing efforts to increase our presence and collaboration with customers, partners, communities and employees in Korea. In this regard he will be able to build on the solid foundation established by the excellent work Bill Oberlin has done in Korea,” said Shep Hill, president of Boeing International and Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy.

Gaines, a 23-year company veteran, joins Boeing Korea following a position in Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Seattle, where he served as vice president of Customer Support for Asia-Pacific. He has extensive experience in global operations and led the efforts that established the joint venture between FlightSafety International and Boeing, now known as Boeing Training and Flight Services.

Oberlin came to Korea in 2002 as president of Boeing Korea. He joined Boeing in 1985 and was credited with sales of key Boeing products, such as CH-47 Chinook helicopters, F-15Ks and AEW&C Peace Eye aircraft, as well as commercial airplanes and related services to airline customers in Korea.

Oberlin was recognized in Korea for his contributions to the local business community as chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (2003-2004 and 2007-2008) and as an executive member of the U.S.-Korea Business Council. He was an active proponent of the Korea-U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows qualified Korean nationals to travel to the U.S. visa free. Oberlin also worked to support the pending Free Trade Agreement between Korea and the U.S. In 2008, he was appointed to serve on the National Competitiveness Improvement Committee under the President of the Republic of Korea.

“Bill played a significant role in strengthening our presence and stakeholder relationships in the Republic of Korea. His representation of the company has been characterized by outstanding leadership, unquestioned integrity and demonstrated results,” added Hill. “Korea is an important market for Boeing and presents many opportunities for Boeing and Korea to work together in ways to advance our common interests. We have a solid business plan and a long-term view of the market, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of a true partnership between Boeing and our customers and partners in Korea.”

Gaines served in the U.S. military as an airborne ranger and a warrant officer pilot. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with honors and a degree in Engineering.

Boeing shares a successful 50-year relationship with Korea. In 1988, Boeing opened an office in Seoul to work closely with Korean customers and partners. Today, more than 160 Boeing employees work across the country.

787 Dreamliner Undergoing Extreme Weather Testing in Florida

VALPARAISO, Fla., April 22 — The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has begun a series of extreme-weather tests at Valparaiso, Fla. A special hangar at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base allows the airplane to experience heat as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) and as low as minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 43 Celsius).

After the airplane is stabilized at either the hot or cold temperatures, flight test technicians will follow the Airplane Maintenance Manual to perform the steps required to prepare the airplane for flight release and operate under these conditions. Sensors and monitors will allow the test team to determine if all systems hardware and software operate as expected.

Cold-weather testing is being conducted first, with preliminary hot-weather testing to follow. Additional extreme-weather testing will be conducted later in the flight test program.

“We have Dreamliner customers who will operate the 787 in a wide variety of environments throughout the world,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This testing is about ensuring that the airplane meets the expectations of our customers.”

A crew of approximately 100 people traveled from Seattle to support the test operations on ZA003, the third 787 airplane to be built.

The McKinley Climatic Laboratory is the second remote testing location for the 787 Dreamliner. The second airplane in the fleet, ZA002, performed a variety of tests in Victorville, Calif., last month. The testing in Florida is expected to last nearly two weeks.

About the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The 787 Dreamliner is an all-new twinjet designed to meet the needs of airlines around the world in providing nonstop service between mid-size cities with new levels of efficiency. The airplane will bring improved levels of comfort to passengers with larger windows, bigger baggage bins and advances in the cabin environment, including lower cabin altitude, higher humidity and cleaner air. Delivery of the first 787 is planned for the fourth quarter of 2010.

Fifty-seven customers around the world have ordered 866 787s since the program was launched in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history. Delivery of the first 787 is planned for the fourth quarter of 2010.

EVERETT, Wash., April 20 — The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Boeing (NYSE: BA) expanded type inspection authorization (TIA) today, clearing the way for its personnel to fully participate in future test flights and for the collection of required flight-test data. Initial TIA was granted Feb. 11, which supported the collection of flutter certification data.
The expanded TIA marks the FAA’s confirmation that the airplane and team are ready to collect additional certification data. Boeing achieved the expansion by demonstrating the readiness of the airplane throughout a variety of speeds, altitudes and configurations.

“This TIA expansion is another significant step toward delivering airplanes to our customers. We remain on track to deliver the first airplane to ANA this year,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Commercial Airplanes.
In addition to receiving expanded TIA, Boeing finalized the aerodynamic configuration of the 787.

“We have completed sufficient testing to decide that no additional changes to the external lines or shape of the airplane are required,” said Fancher. “Having an airplane match its expected performance with so few changes is rare and speaks to the maturity of the design.”
The 787 flight-test fleet logged its 500th hour of flying April 16. On Sunday, ZA003, the flight-test airplane outfitted with interior elements, landed in Florida, where it will go through extreme weather testing at McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base.

Boeing released two videos highlighting flutter and ground effects testing. These videos feature commentary by the pilots and the chief project engineer and are available on www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com.

PALMDALE, Calif., April 19 — The second Boeing 747-8 Freighter, RC521, landed in Palmdale, Calif., today, marking the beginning of a planned transition of 747-8 Freighter testing to Southern California. The more than four-hour flight from Boeing Field in Seattle included testing on avionics and cruise performance.

“Taking the airplane to Palmdale is a big step,” said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 program. “The team is focused on ensuring a seamless transition into the next phase of the flight-test program as we prepare to expand testing of the 747-8 Freighter’s performance characteristics.”

The airplane will be stationed in Palmdale for the majority of its scheduled flight-test program. The crew will conduct several tests on the airplane with fuel-mileage and engine-performance testing as key focus areas.

“Palmdale provides an excellent test environment for the 747-8 Freighter,” said Andy Hammer, 747 test program manager. “It allows us to take full advantage of one of the world’s premier experimental test flight facilities and the excellent weather conditions to meet our flight-test requirements on the road to obtaining our amended type certification.”

A contingent of employees has been stationed at Palmdale for the testing, including flight-test engineers and the support personnel who prepare the airplane for each day’s flights. In the coming weeks, the two other 747-8 airplanes in the flight-test fleet will join RC521 in Southern California.
The entire flight-test program calls for the three airplanes to perform a total of about 3,700 hours of ground and air testing. The first 747-8 Freighter delivery to Cargolux is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.