LONG BEACH, Calif., May 24 (UPI) -- A fifth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter has been delivered by Boeing to the United Arab Emirates air force.
Boeing said four C-17s were delivered to the U.A.E. last year and that the sixth and final aircraft ordered will be delivered later this year.
"It's amazing to see all that the U.A.E. has accomplished with its fleet of C-17s in such a short time, including standing up a new base; qualifying three aircraft commanders and four mission-ready loadmasters; and conducting humanitarian aid and peacekeeping missions," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing Airlift vice president and C-17 program manager. "We're proud to be a part of the U.A.E. Air Force and Air Defense mission long after each C-17 is delivered.
"With a mission-capable rate above 90 percent, U.A.E. C-17s are ready to save lives and deliver hope whenever they are needed."
Boeing said the U.A.E. is its sixth international customer for the aircraft. C-17s already delivered to it have already logged more than 2,000 flight hours and carried nearly 4 million pounds of cargo.
