Boeing

SÃO PAULO, Oct. 22, 2012 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] Super Hornet partner GE Aviation recently signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Brazilian companies to become potential suppliers for the program's global supply chain, strengthening the in-country component of Boeing's F/A-18 offering for the Brazilian F-X2 fighter jet competition.

The MOUs with Grauna Aerospace S.A., Increase Aviation Service Ltda., TAP Maintenance and Engineering and AKAER provide local expertise in different areas of aircraft maintenance, manufacturing and engineering.

The memoranda outline the potential for GE Aviation to develop programs with the Brazilian companies to establish long-term aircraft support within Brazil. The programs would include technology transfer as well as training in maintenance and assembly and engine inspection and testing.

"Brazil continues to further establish its global presence within the aerospace industry, providing opportunities to support and strengthen operations for Boeing and our Super Hornet industry partners, such as GE Aviation," said Susan Colegrove, Boeing International Strategic Partnerships director. "By establishing strong, long-term business relationships with Brazilian companies, Boeing and its partners can provide a host of solutions to our customers."

The companies' areas of expertise are:

• Grauna Aerospace S.A., of Caçapava, manufactures precision machinery and subassembly parts for the aeronautical industry
• Increase Aviation Service Ltda., of Belo Horizonte, conducts inspection, repair and overhaul of engine parts and accessories
• TAP Maintenance & Engineering, located in Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, provides aircraft and component maintenance, repair and overhaul
• AKAER, of São José dos Campos, provides engineering and design services to a variety of customers in the aerospace, defense and other business sectors of Brazil and worldwide.

"GE Aviation currently has a strong presence in Brazil and looks forward to expanding upon it while affording valuable opportunities for Brazilian industry," said Tom Champion, GE Aviation Industrial Cooperation director. "By providing both classroom training and hands-on follow-up support to these companies, GE will build lasting industry capabilities in Brazil."

The MOUs are in addition to the recent renewals of MOUs with Brazilian companies Avio do Brazil and GESPI Aeronautics. GE Aviation provides the F414-GE-400 engines that power the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE [NYSE: GE], is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.

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 $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Contact:

Ana Paula Ferreira
Boeing Brazil
+1 55-11-06644-5411
ana.p.ferreira@boeing.com

Marcia Costley
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 562-797-7281
Mobile: +1 714-316-4267
marcia.b.costley@boeing.com

Matthew Benvie
GE Aviation
Office: +1 513-243-3249
Mobile: +1 513-432-6834
matthew.benvie@ge.com