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Boeing Delivers First KC-767 Tanker to Japan
 
Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) KC-767 Tankers extend their aerial refueling booms during a recent test flight.  (Neg#: MWF08-0023b-051) Japan's first KC-767 Tanker arrived today in Gifu, Japan, near Nagoya, after a 12-hour flight from Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facilities in Wichita, Kan. (Neg#: MSF08-2039-01) A U.S. Air Force F-15E accepts fuel from a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) KC-767 Tanker during a recent nighttime refueling test.  (Neg#: MSF08-2039-02)
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ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Japan KC-767 Tanker to the Itochu Corp., for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is the first aerial refueling aircraft in Japan's history.

"The KC-767 will have an immediate impact and significantly increase Japan's capabilities," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "This delivery also confirms Boeing's standing as the world's leading provider of aerial refueling tankers and continues our company's proud 75-year history of producing tankers."

The 12-hour non-stop flight to Gifu, Japan, near Nagoya, originated in Wichita, Kan., near Boeing's tanker modification center, following a final review by Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) Air Staff. Itochu will deliver the KC-767 Tanker to the MoD following in-country acceptance processes.

Japan has ordered four convertible freighter 767s, providing flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers while maintaining its primary role as an aerial refueling tanker. It features Boeing's advanced aerial refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II) system. Boeing will deliver the second Japan tanker immediately following acceptance of this first Japan delivery.

Additionally, Boeing is building four tankers for Italy with delivery of the first two aircraft planned in 2008. The KC-767 also is Boeing's offering in the U.S. Air Force's KC-X competition for its next-generation tanker aircraft. Since the 1930s, Boeing has built and delivered more than 2,000 tankers that feature the world's most advanced aerial refueling method with the highest fuel transfer rate available.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.
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Contact Info:
Bill Barksdale
Boeing Tanker Communications
office: (314) 232-0860
mobile: (314) 707-3294
william.a.barksdale@boeing.com
Kerry Gildea
Boeing Communications
office: (703) 414-6341
mobile: (571) 643-2313
kerry.a.gildea@boeing.com