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Issue 18 – July 3, 2007

In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:

•	First KC-30 Tanker designated for the U.S. Air Force's refueling fleet modernization begins final aircraft platform assembly
•	Brazilian airline TAM to expand its fleet with four more A330-200s

First KC-30 Tanker designated for the U.S. Air Force's refueling fleet modernization begins final aircraft platform assembly

The initial KC-30 Tanker aircraft platform is entering its final assembly, reflecting the industrial team’s commitment to the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 replacement program.

Drawing on suppliers in the United States and other allied nations, final assembly of the first KC-30 Tanker platform – an A330-200 commercial airliner derivative – is being performed on the state-of-the-art final assembly line in Toulouse, France.

This initial development aircraft, designated D-1, will be ready for delivery to the military modification line in November – one month after the projected contract award for the Air Force’s KC-X program to recapitalize its aging aerial tanker fleet.

The KC-30 Tanker benefits from the A330's active production line and its fully operational industrial supply chain. To date, more than 1,110 A330/A340s have been sold, with 800-plus aircraft delivered to international operators and over 240 A330s in the current backlog.

A powerful U.S. and allied industrial team has been assembled to produce and supply KC-30 Tankers for the U.S. Air Force, basing this aircraft on the A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport – which won the last three tanker competitions to support the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

The KC-30 Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than a KC-135 or any competitor, providing a significant boost to the U.S. Air Force's global reach. The KC-30 is also designed to refuel Navy and coalition aircraft, and to serve as a multi-role transport aircraft to move passengers, cargo and medical evacuation patients. The KC-30 incorporates defense systems, precision fly-by-wire technology, and the ability to integrate a communications suite and a global support network.

If selected by the U.S. Air Force, the KC-30 will be assembled in Mobile, Alabama, and is to create or support more than 25,000 U.S. jobs. It will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS, General Electric Aviation, Honeywell and Sargent Fletcher.

Brazilian airline TAM to expand its fleet with four more A330-200s

Brazil’s leading carrier TAM Linhas Aéreas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an additional four A330-200s jetliners, which will be added to its existing fleet of 10 A330-200s.

The carrier’s decision was based on the excellent operating economics of its current A330 inventory, and the new aircraft will be used in TAM’s development of its long-haul route network.

Worldwide sales continue strong for the A330-200 – on which the KC-30 Tanker is based.  This popularity results from the aircraft’s outstanding performance, advanced aerodynamics and avionics, and its high in-service reliability.

Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com