Elected Officials, Boeing Executives Plan To Attend

Boeing says it plans to hold an employee rally to help raise awareness of the advantages of the Boeing 767-based NewGen Tanker, and provide information about the economic benefits for the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest if the U.S. Air Force selects the airplane to replace the KC-135. The event is also intended to "thank 767 program employees for their hard work." The Boeing Aerial Refueling Technology (BART) demonstrator will be available for tours.  

B767-Based Tanker In Japan

Boeing has invited elected officials who have supported the Tanker program to address the rally along with Boeing executives.

Boeing has helped organize numerous rallies around the country in support of the Tanker program, which have included participation by Boeing employees, elected officials and suppliers among others.

The tentative list of speakers at the rally includes:

• Jean Chamberlin , NewGen Tanker program manager, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
• Kim Pastega , vice president and general manager, 767 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
• Jim Albaugh , president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
• U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
• U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA)
• U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
• U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA)
• U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA.)
• U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA)
• Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson

The event is set for Monday beginning at 0930 at Boeing's Everett facility. A decision on the replacememt tanker is expected in the fall. Boeing's main competition for what has been called the largest defence procurement contract ever is a tanker based on the Airbus A330 platform. Eads/Airbus had originally partnered with Northrop Grumman in working on a tanker bid, but the U.S. company pulled out of the partnership late last year. EADS/North America went ahead and bid on the tanker contract without a U.S. partner the day before the deadline, and the aircraft would be partially assembled in Alabama if Airbus wins the competition.

FMI: www.boeing.com