Boeing

Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Defense's approval today of the Air Force KC-767 Tanker lease initiative:

"Secretary Aldridge's announcement today is wonderful news for our U.S. Air Force customers, for the warfighter, and for all of us at Boeing.

"Throughout the negotiations with the U.S. Air Force on the 767 tanker leasing program, The Boeing Company remained committed to key objectives: providing critical air refueling capability to the Air Force much sooner than possible under normal procurement procedures; and to ensuring fair value to the taxpayer. As this package now goes to Congress for review, Boeing is pleased that both objectives have been accomplished. We know that the KC-767A Tanker aircraft will give the Air Force the most modern, reliable, capable and flexible air-refueling system in the world. As always, we greatly appreciate the support and partnership of our Air Force and DoD customers."

[To read to U.S. Department of Defense's press release on the approval of the Air Force KC-767 tanker lease initiative, click here. Please note: this link will take you off the Boeing Web site.]