ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19, 2008 -- The Boeing Company
[NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Japan KC-767 Tanker to the
Itochu Corp., for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is the
first aerial refueling aircraft in Japan's history.
"The KC-767 will have an immediate impact and significantly
increase Japan's capabilities," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO
of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "This delivery also confirms
Boeing's standing as the world's leading provider of aerial
refueling tankers and continues our company's proud 75-year history
of producing tankers."
The 12-hour non-stop flight to Gifu, Japan, near Nagoya,
originated in Wichita, Kan., near Boeing's tanker modification
center, following a final review by Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD)
Air Staff. Itochu will deliver the KC-767 Tanker to the MoD
following in-country acceptance processes.
Japan has ordered four convertible freighter 767s, providing
flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers while maintaining its
primary role as an aerial refueling tanker. It features Boeing's
advanced aerial refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator
(RARO II) system. Boeing will deliver the second Japan tanker
immediately following acceptance of this first Japan delivery.
Additionally, Boeing is building four tankers for Italy with
delivery of the first two aircraft planned in 2008. The KC-767 also
is Boeing's offering in the U.S. Air Force's KC-X competition for
its next-generation tanker aircraft. Since the 1930s, Boeing has
built and delivered more than 2,000 tankers that feature the
world's most advanced aerial refueling method with the highest fuel
transfer rate available.