Boeing

ST. LOUIS, July 28, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced it has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force to upgrade the cockpits of the service's fleet of 59 KC-10 Extender tanker/transport aircraft. The proposal covers engineering and manufacturing development, production and installation of the KC-10 Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) modification.

CNS/ATM uses a systems approach to improve pilot awareness, streamline tasks, and otherwise enhance safety in a high-technology environment.

"This upgrade will allow the fleet to retain worldwide access to airspace in compliance with Global Air Traffic Management requirements," said Boeing KC-10 Program Director Mike Wright. "Boeing believes it has a strong proposal, given the success of the company's (K) DC-10 Cockpit Upgrade Program (CUP) for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). The CUP modification offers an affordable, proven solution for other aircraft, including the KC-10."

Boeing works with the RNLAF and partner Fokker Services on CUP, which includes a new flight-management system, display system and improved communications -- all components of the CNS/ATM configuration. Boeing and Fokker Services are performing the modification on two (K) DC-10 air refueling tankers and one DC-10 transport at a Fokker Services facility in the Netherlands, where the program's ground testing certification is two thirds complete. Flight-test certification and delivery of the first aircraft are scheduled to take place this fall.

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, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

# # #

Contact:

Forrest Gossett
Boeing Global Services & Support
Office: 314-234-2309
Mobile: 314-363-0650
forrest.s.gossett@boeing.com

Deborah VanNierop
Boeing Global Services & Support -- San Antonio
Office: 210-932-6640
Mobile: 210-454-2656
deborah.a.vannierop@boeing.com