Boeing

The last of four new C-32A airplanes that will transport U.S. government officials made its first flight Nov. 5.

The modified Boeing 757-200 took off from Renton Municipal Airport in Renton, Wash., at 12:27 p.m. and landed two hours and 26 minutes later at Boeing Field in Seattle. Aircraft No.4 will undergo final inspection and check flights prior to delivery.

This completes the Boeing contract to build four C-32As, which are replacing the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of C-137s (707's) which have been used to transport government officials since the 1950s. The new aircraft will carry the U.S. vice president, cabinet members of the executive branch of the U.S. government and members of Congress when traveling on government business, in addition to high-ranking military personnel.

Boeing delivered the first two aircraft to the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., earlier this year. The second two will enter service in early 1999.

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