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Issue 27 - October 9, 2007

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

•	New orders for the A330 from US Airways and Hong Kong Airlines
•	Engineering center at the future KC-30 industrial site expands its operations

New orders for the A330 from US Airways and Hong Kong Airlines

Two recent airline orders have further strengthened the commercial leadership of the A330 jetliner - on which Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker is based.

These significant acquisitions underscore the A330's advantages in a highly competitive airline marketplace, where purchase decisions are based on aircraft performance, versatility, reliability and cost-of-ownership. They also boost the A330's presence in the U.S. marketplace, and bring another international customer into the growing list of A330 operators.

US Airways signed a contract for the purchase of 10 A330-200s, with deliveries continuing through 2010. US Airways already operates the A330-300 version, and now has a total of more than 260 A330s, A350s and A320 family airliners in operation or on order - benefiting from the cockpit and system commonality with this product line of fly-by-wire aircraft.

The other major A330 order was placed by Hong Kong Airlines, which is acquiring 20 A330-200s, along with 31 A320 family aircraft. Hong Kong Airlines was established in 2001, and has rapidly developed a full network that serves destinations in Asia and on the Chinese mainland.

These two A330 acquisitions bring total orders for the twin-engine A330 to 824, of which 495 have been delivered to operators worldwide.

Engineering center at the future KC-30 industrial site expands its operations

Design and development work is expanding at the Airbus Engineering Center in Mobile, Alabama - which is the first element of a large-scale industrial site to be built should the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker be selected to modernize the U.S. Air Force's aerial refueling fleet.

Following its formal opening last January, the 48,000-sq. ft. facility at Mobile's Brookley Field has built up its initial staff, which is expected to reach at least 150 engineers at full capacity. Current activity is focused on the A330-200F, A350XWB and A380 airliner programs, and includes engineering work on cargo systems, cabin linings, interior furnishings, seats and galleys.

If the KC-30 Tanker is selected by the U.S. Air Force, EADS North America will create a production and assembly facility for the aircraft at Brookley Field, and Northrop Grumman is to establish an adjacent site for mission outfitting and delivery of the aerial refueling aircraft.

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