Fri, Aug 28, 2009
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.
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