Boeing

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 14, 2008 -- The Boeing Company's [NYSE: BA] Support Systems site in San Antonio is marking its 10th anniversary this week. The site, which performs maintenance, modifications and upgrades on a variety of military aircraft, is located at the former Kelly Air Force Base, now called Port San Antonio.

Support Systems San Antonio officially opened its doors on Aug. 10, 1998, with the arrival of the first aircraft, a C-17 Globemaster III. The KC-10 Contractor Logistics Support and KC-135 Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) programs also began operations there in 1998. The KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management program arrived in 2002, and three years later, work began on the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program.

"The Boeing San Antonio team's commitment to our customer, the warfighter, is unwavering," said Tony Robertson, vice president of Support Systems' Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division. "Since opening in 1998, we have completed mission-critical maintenance on more than 1,645 aircraft. This is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to hard work and dedication throughout the years."

One of the site's most high-profile programs is the 10-year, $1.1 billion U.S. Air Force KC-135 PDM contract that was awarded to Boeing last year. This maintenance work ensures that the KC-135 Stratotanker is available to support warfighters in the global war on terrorism and other missions around the world, Robertson said.

"The work that is done at this site is remarkable. It is the hub of tanker maintenance, with essential maintenance being performed on KC-135s, KC-10s and C-17 transports," Robertson added. "Each day, our San Antonio employees deliver a quality product back to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force."

The site has also become a respected business leader in San Antonio, thanks in part to its community-outreach programs. In 2003, Boeing San Antonio established community partnerships with the Fisher House, which provides free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at local military medical centers, and with the San Antonio Zoo, one of the city's most-visited attractions. "These relationships get stronger with each passing year," said Site Leader Kevin Devine. "We also continue to build new partnerships with organizations such as the Witte Museum, the Children's Shelter and many area school districts." Since 2006, The Boeing Company and its employees have contributed nearly $795,000 to the local community.

"Our past 10 years in San Antonio have been extraordinary," Robertson concluded. "Thanks to the skills of our employees, Boeing in San Antonio has the potential for continued growth and success for many, many years to come."