Boeing Facility Currently Rebuilds KC-135 Tankers

Boeing's operation at the former Kelly Air Force Base just outside San Antonio hopes that when the Dreamliner goes into production, as many as 1,700 jobs will be added at the facility to work on the all-composite aircraft.

The Global Services & Support's repair facility currently performs work on the KC-135 tanker for the Air Force, and is bidding again on the KC-10 tanker contract expected to be awarded this fall. San Antonio officials say the facility is a significant player in the region's $3.8 billion aerospace industry.

The facility has an eye to the future as well. My San Antonio Business reports that, along with the KC-10 contract, plant managers expect to be building portions of the B787 Dreamliner when production begins, and Boeing is already preparing the site for work on the plane. The current plans are for San Antonio workers to install and change electrical equipment on the 787, and also do wiring and power panels, mechanical equipment and work on other components. But it is also one of four locations under consideration for a second production line for the Dreamliner.

B787 Construction File Photo

While the plant has been used primarily for military work, Boeing spokesperson Deborah VanNierop said it is looking to expand into the commercial production, repair, and modification market.

Boeing site leader Kevin Devine said the plant also does a great deal of international work for the governments of Canada, the UK and Australia, and is in discussions with Fed-Ex and UPS, which use planes similar to the KC-10.

FMI: www.boeing.com