Six Pack to Go

Boeing announced Wednesday a contract signing to supply the United Arab Emirates with six C-17s by 2012. The UAE will take delivery of four C-17s in 2011 and two in 2012.

Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president, Global Mobility Systems said, The C-17 consistently posts mission capability rates that are among the best in the world, earning it high marks for its industry-leading quality and reliability.

There are currently 212 C-17s in service worldwide. The U.S. Air Force, including active Guard and Reserve units, has 193.  19 are with international customers. UAE becomes the second Middle East nation after Qatar to buy the C-17.  International customers include the UK Royal Air Force (which ordered its 7th last month), the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.