Boeing, Italian MoD and Alenia Reach Agreement on 767 Tanker Transport Cooperation
The Italian Ministry of Defense, Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Alenia Aeronautica, together with its subsidiary Aeronavali, announced today that the parties have reached agreement in principle to develop, produce and support four 767 Tanker Transport aircraft for the Italian Air Force.
"This Tanker Transport program is a critical element in the modernization of Italian forces for global interoperability," said Adm. Giampaolo Di Paola, Italy national armaments director. "Together, we can leverage the unique capabilities of Boeing and Alenia to provide the most capable solution for the Italian Air Force, while maximizing industrial return for Italy through a highly qualified participation of our industry."
"This agreement is an important step in providing a much needed capability to the Italian Air Force," said Gen. Nazzareno Cardinali, director general, Armaereo. "The 767 Tanker Transport will provide advantages in effectiveness, flexibility, reliability and supportability over our current 707 tankers."
"Today's announcement marks a key milestone in finalizing an important agreement for all companies involved and an important step in establishing the 767 Tanker Transport as the world's pre-eminent air-refueling aircraft," said David Spong, president of Aerospace Support, a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "This is another great example of global cooperation between Boeing and Alenia."
"Alenia and Aeronavali are proud to play a key role in all phases of the 767 Tanker Transport program, including design, development, production and logistics support for an ambitious project aiming at the worldwide market, including the United States," said Carmelo Cosentino, senior vice president of Alenia Aeronautica.
As the launch customer for the new aircraft, the Italian Air Force will receive its first 767 Tanker Transport in 2005. Last summer the Italian Ministry of Defense selected the 767 Tanker Transport to replace its 707 tankers.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, or IDS, is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion business. It provides systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
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