Italy KC-767 Tanker #2 Arrives in Naples for Modifications
Boeing [NYSE:BA] and its Italian supplier partner Aeronavali (OAN), a company of Alenia Aeronautica/Finmeccanica, inducted the second KC-767A (Italy #2) aerial tanker into the aircraft modification center in Naples, Italy today.
The induction event marks the start of structural and system modifications to the commercial 767 platform. During the next 15 months, a joint Boeing-Aeronavali team will transform the commercial aircraft, which was built in Boeing's Everett, Wash., facility, into the world's most advanced aerial refueling aircraft. It is scheduled for delivery to the Italian Air Force in Spring 2007.
The KC-767A Italy #1 tanker, modified at the Boeing facility in Wichita, will soon begin flight tests and will be delivered to the Italian Air Force in the spring of 2006 delivery.
"Due to the vision and commitment of our Italian customer, we have designed capabilities such as an open architecture that allows for the technologies of tomorrow to be easily integrated and advanced networking and communications capabilities into this aircraft, making it uniquely suited for the security needs of today and the future," said Jim O'Neill, Boeing vice president and Tanker program manager.
Aeronavali Chief Executive Officer Agostino Melani noted the long time relationship between Boeing and Italian industry. "This program confirms the excellent result of the partnership between Boeing and Aeronavali on both military and commercial programs, starting from engineering activities up to final assembly, tests and certification," Melani said. "The Italian Air Force's choice of the KC-767A represents an important commitment for the future of this successful program."
More than 300 employees, suppliers and customers attended the induction event.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; 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 sustainment solutions and launch services.
Aeronavali -- a subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica/Finmeccanica -- has been active for over fifty years in the modification and maintenance of commercial and military aircraft. Aeronavali provides the entire spectrum of aeronautical activities to face all customer requirements in aircraft modification, maintenance, upgrading and parts manufacturing, including DC-10, MD-10, MD-11 and Boeing 767. Aeronavali employs about 1,500 people in its three Italian plants: Venice, which is also the company headquarters, Naples and Brindisi.
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