Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] is adding Gamesa Aeronáutica of Vitoria, Spain, to its team designing the structure of the 747 Large Cargo Freighter, a specially modified 747-400 passenger jet that will be used to transport major assemblies for the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The contract was formalized today in Madrid during a ceremony attended by Harry Stonecipher, president and CEO, The Boeing Company, and Alfonso Basagoiti, chairman of Gamesa.

Gamesa is the first Spanish supplier supporting the 787 Dreamliner program. It will work with Boeing on the complete engineering analysis and development of the critical "swing zone," the section of the Large Cargo Freighter's aft fuselage that opens to allow loading and unloading of the 787's large composite structures, such as fuselage and wing components.

"I am delighted that Boeing has selected Gamesa to join this important program in support of the Boeing 787, and that we're further strengthening our relationships with Spanish and European industry", said Stonecipher.

Alfonso Basagoiti, Chairman, Gamesa, said: "We are extremely pleased to participate in this great Boeing project. This agreement confirms Gamesa's engineering capabilities and technological potential. It also reflects the collaborative spirit between European and North American companies to team up on complex projects."

Two Large Cargo Freighters will be needed to support initial 787 production. Both were purchased by Boeing last year. Boeing continues looking for a third airplane that will enter service later. Boeing decided in October 2003 to use air transport as the primary way to bring 787 major assemblies from suppliers worldwide to the Boeing facility in Everett , Washington , for final assembly. The expanded girth of the Large Cargo Freighter will hold 300 percent more cargo above the main deck than the largest freighter in regularly scheduled service, the 747-400. Certification of the Large Cargo Freighter is expected in 2006.

The 787 is an all-new family of mid-sized airplanes that will provide exceptional fuel efficiencies for airlines and superior comfort for passengers. It is to enter service in 2008. Boeing has 191 announced firm orders and commitments for the 787 from 15 airlines.

Gamesa is a technology corporation dedicated to the design, manufacturing and supply of advanced products, facilities and services in aerospace and renewable energy sectors. Its aerospace activities are focused on designing, developing and producing large structural assemblies or complete aircraft parts as well as manufacturing metallic components and advanced composite materials.