Boeing

WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 17, 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered an E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft to the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 8, after 11 months of maintenance at Boeing’s Wichita facility. The aircraft returns to service in support of the center’s mission -- providing senior government and military decision makers with connected and protected air travel.

“The E-4B is the most advanced communications aircraft in the world and on alert 24/7,” said Steve Wade, general manager of Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems (GTES). “When they’re called upon, it’s our job to ensure they are ready.”

The E-4B is a modified Boeing 747-200 that serves the U.S. president, secretary of defense, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Air Force fleet of four E-4Bs is stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

The upgrade completed last week included an extensive programmed depot maintenance refurbishment, ensuring the aircraft received the repairs and system upgrades it needs to operate effectively and meet Federal Aviation Administration safety requirements. The next E-4B scheduled to enter maintenance will receive a full Mod Block upgrade that includes the addition of a Senior Leadership Communications System and improvements to the aircraft’s Global Air Traffic Management System, audio infrastructure, and interior.

GTES, headquartered in Wichita, is a division of Boeing Global Services & Support. In addition to the E-4B, GTES supports all Boeing aircraft in the U.S. executive fleet, including VC-25, C-32A, and C-40B/C, as well as the U.S. Navy’s E-6B and C-40A.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

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Contact:

Jarrod Bartlett
Global Transport & Executive Systems
Office: 316-977-2574
Mobile: 316-204-9456
jarrod.s.bartlett@boeing.com

Forrest Gossett
Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades
Office: 314-234-2309
Mobile: 314-363-0650
forrest.s.gossett@boeing.com