Boeing Begins Assembly of 1st KC-46A Tanker Aircraft

Boeing workers in Everett today loaded the first wing spar for the first U.S. Air Force KC-46A aerial refueling tanker, starting production of that aircraft and achieving another milestone toward delivering 179 tankers during the next 14 years.

The KC-46A is based on the commercial 767-200ER, a proven airframe in service as an airliner, freighter and tanker. Boeing has delivered more than 1,050 767s worldwide.

“The Air Force is really excited and pleased that our No. 1 modernization priority has begun fabrication and entered the factory at Everett. The Boeing team continues to make significant progress in the KC-46 development program,” said Maj. Gen. John Thompson, U.S. Air Force Program Executive Officer for Tankers.

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