C-17 price deadline stands, says Boeing

Boeing has announced that Boeing C-17 Globemaster strategic airlifter programme will not extend the end of June, 2006, deadline for a USD220 million aircraft price for international customers. Boeing made the commitment on price to international buyers in early 2006 in recognition that any orders later, based on a 34-month lead time, would have an impact on line continuity. Boeing has begun procuring long-lead items for 22 aircraft beyond the 184 aircraft ordered by the US Air Force (USAF, 180) and the UK Royal Air Force (RAF, 4). The USAF is considering buying seven additional C-17s because of high-flight rates. Canada, NATO, the Netherlands and Sweden are also considered potential C-17 buyers.