Boeing

ST. LOUIS, June 23, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the on-orbit handover of the Thuraya-3 Geo-Mobile satellite, which will extend Thuraya's coverage to 170 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. Thuraya-3 is the third Boeing-built 702 Geo-Mobile satellite for Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications, a leading multiregional mobile satellite operator. The satellite was launched Jan. 15 aboard a Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket.

"Over the past decade, Boeing has worked side by side with Thuraya to develop satellites that provide much-needed additional communications capacity to people across Asia, and we continue that partnership with the handover of Thuraya-3," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "Boeing thanks Thuraya for choosing a Boeing 702 satellite."

"Thuraya is technically and commercially well prepared to operate the Thuraya-3 satellite after its handover to Thuraya. The successful launch of Thuraya-3 and post-launch testing are a result of a strong and long-standing partnership with both Boeing and Sea Launch," said Thuraya CEO Yousuf Al Sayed. "We are very excited to bring our pioneering mobile satellite service to the Asia-Pacific market, providing a range of cutting-edge communications services. There are a variety of sectors, such as rural telephony, maritime and broadband, in addition to the core mobile service, that promise an excellent prospect for Thuraya in the region."

The Thuraya-3 satellite enables Thuraya to double its current commercial coverage -- including its handheld, fixed and broadband services -- to parts of Asia that include markets in China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Australia. Boeing is the proven leader in delivering the technology behind complex mobile satellite systems that provide a lifeline for first responders reaching those in need, connect businesses that depend on reliable data access, and supply telecommunications services to those who use mobile phones every day.

Boeing designed the 702 satellite to exceed customer expectations for low-cost and highly reliable communications spacecraft. The satellite offers a range of power up to 18 kilowatts and has supplied communication services since 1999 to customers who seek a range of satellite solutions, including mobile satellite telephony, satellite-based broadband communications service, high-definition television broadcasts and digital audio radio.