A C-17A Globemaster III from the 445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Air Force Reserve Command, moves in front of the iconic skyline of downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma after loading equipment and members of the 35th Combat Communciations Squadron Sept. 13, 2017, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The 35th CBCS is deploying to Florida as part of the Air Force's Hurricane Irma response and recovery operations to provide humanitarian relief. The eight Citizen Airmen from the 35th CBCS deployed servers, radio equipment, power generation and other tools to connect to Department of Defense networks, voice communications and the internet. The 35th CBCS is part of the 960th Cyberspace Operations Group based at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461, lands on the flight-line at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Sept. 12, 2017. Marines and Sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and HMH-461 handled and distributed food, water, and supplies in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jered T. Stone)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) personnel study the F-35B Lightning II during an educational tour and class led by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 13, 2017. Several classes were conducted for JASDF personnel regarding maintenance, serviceability, operability and more. Afterwards, they briefly toured VMFA-121?s facility, taking a peek into different departments and visiting the hangar to see, touch and study the aircraft up close. This is the first time VMFA-121 has conducted an exchange like this. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carlos Jimenez)

KEY WEST, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2017) -- CH-47 Chinooks assigned to Florida Army National Guard Air Operations 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment, offload food and water at a FEMA distribution center in Key West. The Department of Defense is supporting FEMA, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Irma to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Ruiz)

Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers from 1-367th Aviation (Security & Support) Aviation Regiment, conduct daily maintenance checks on four UH-72 Lakota helicopters, the morning of Sept. 13, at the Florida National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1, in Jacksonville, Florida. Nebraska sent approximately 100 Soldiers and the four aircraft to Florida as part of an emergency management assistance compact request for Hurricane Irma relief and recovery operations. (Nebraska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Edward Bosland)

Gulfport, MISS. ? A KC 130J, belonging to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, receives fuel at the Million Air Fixed Base Operator, Gulfport, Miss., in preparation to deliver fuel to a forward arming and refueling point in Key West, Florida. Marines with VMGR-234 delivered fuel to a FARP established by Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, 4th MAW, MARFORRES, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, providing over 29,000 pounds of fuel for aircraft conducting resupply, and search and rescue operations in one delivery. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Imari J. Dubose/Released)

An Afghan A-29 Super Tucano taxis toward the flightline at Kabul Air Wing after being loaded with munitions Sept. 12, 2017, in Kabul Afghanistan. The A-29 is the Afghan Air Force's premier fighter aircraft in the fight against anti-government forces.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel)

An United States Air Force F-15C deployed to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, as the 159th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, as part of a Theater Security Package, prepares to land after conducting an Air Surveillance mission in support of our NATO Alliance commitments, Sept. 13, 2017. Until the end of September 2017, the fighter aircraft from the Louisiana and Florida Air National Guard and approximately 280 Airmen and support equipment from the 125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Fla. will be deployed to Keflavik Air Base to provide interceptor jets for NATO?s mission safeguarding Icelandic airspace. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Staci Miller)

A Polish air force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off at Krzesiny Air Base, Poland, Sept. 12, 2017. The 480th FS is participating in bilateral training with the Polish Air Force, hosted by the 52nd Operations Group, Det. 1 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)

A Polish air force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxi's past a U.S. Air Force F-16 assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron at Krzesiny Air Base, Poland, Sept. 12, 2017. Aviation Rotation 17-4 focuses on maintaining joint readiness while building interoperability capabilities. Through strengthened relationships and engagements with our Allies, the United States and NATO demonstrate their shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)

Westover aerial porters from the 42nd and 58th Aerial Port Squadrons unload a C-5M Super Galaxy filled with equipment and supplies September 13th, 2017, on the flightline at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. Hurricane Irma relief operations are being staged out of Homestead ARB and many of Westover's Airmen are there assisting in the efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Hanna Smith)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2017 ? The Boeing [NYSE:BA] proposal for its MH-139 helicopter to replace the U.S. Air Force?s aging Huey fleet could save more than $1 billion in acquisition costs and lifecycle expenses.

The company today submitted its bid for the Air Force to buy up to 84 MH-139s to protect the country?s intercontinental ballistic missiles and meet certain domestic military transport needs. A contract award is expected next year. The UH-1N Huey fleet entered service in the 1970s.

The MH-139 is based on the AW139 that?s in service with more than 250 government, military, and commercial operators around the world. Leonardo Helicopters builds the market-leading aircraft in Philadelphia.

Boeing military rotorcraft expertise, combined with the non-developmental, multi-mission helicopter, will provide exceptional value and capability to the Air Force and taxpayers.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II moves in to get refueled by a KC-10 Extender crewed by members of the 78th and 76th Air Refueling Squadrons, 514th Air Mobility Wing, over California, Sept. 13, 2017. The mission also included refueling U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II joint strike fighters. The 514th is an Air Force Reserve wing located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/Released)

F-35B Lightning II with the Royal Air Force 17th Test and Evaluation Squadron assigned to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is refueled by a KC-10 Extender with the 78th Air Refueling Squadron located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., over California Sept. 13, 2017. The F-35B Lightning II is refueled via the drogue method. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Staff Sgt. Michael Ki Hong/Released)



A C-5M Super Galaxy from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., prepares to land at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla, Sep. 16, 2017. The aircraft redeployed personnel and equipment from the 66th Rescue Squadron back home to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The team was deployed in support of Hurricane Irma relief efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Liliana Moreno/Released)

A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress flies over Joint Base Andrews, Md., during the 2017 Andrews Air Show: Air and Space Expo Sept. 15, 2017. The three-day event displayed the Air Force?s capabilities through air power with demonstrations that included the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights, and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Demonstration Team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Delano Scott)

A QuickSilver P-51 Mustang flies over Joint Base Andrews, Md., during the 2017 Andrews Air Show: Air and Space Expo Sept. 15, 2017. The three-day event displayed the Air Force?s capabilities through air power with demonstrations that included the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights, and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Demonstration Team. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Senior Airman Delano Scott)

A B-52 Stratofortress lands on the runway at Fairford Royal Air Force Base, U.K., Sept. 14, 2017. The deployment of strategic bombers to the U.K. helps exercise RAF Fairford and U.S. Air forces in Europe?s forward operating location for bombers. The B-52 is scheduled to conduct theater integration, flying training, and joint and allied training to improve bomber interoperability. Allied training will also include participation in exercise SERPENTEX, a French Air Command-led exercise that will focus on training aircrew and JTACs in their Air Land integration mission. (U.S. Air Force photo's/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)


A 4th Fighter Wing F-15E Strike Eagle heritage paint scheme aircraft disconnects after refueling from a 916th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker, Sept. 14, 2017, in the skies above North Carolina. Members of the 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight worked more than one month to complete the paint scheme in honor of the 4 FW?s 75th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force photo's by Airman 1st Class Victoria Boyton)


Two Egyptian A?rospatiale Gazelle helicopters fly in attack formation at a combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) rehearsal during Exercise Bright Star 2017. Bright Star is a combined command-post and field training exercise aimed at enhancing regional security and stability by responding to modern day security scenarios with the Arab Republic of Egypt. (U.S. department of Defense photo by Tom Gagnier

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 departs Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 18, 2017. The F-35B Lightning II aircraft joined United States Air Force, Japan and Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft in a sequenced bilateral show of force over the Korean peninsula. This show-of-force mission demonstrated sequenced bilateral cooperation, which is essential to defending U.S. allies, partners and the U.S. homeland against any regional threat. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Aaron Henson)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --

A Boeing 737 MAX takes off after a touch-and-go landing at Edwards AFB. Boeing has been conducting flight tests with its fourth-generation, narrow-body 737 at Edwards recently. The company has also been testing its 787 Dreamliner here as well. Periodically, aviation industry companies are provided the opportunity to conduct flight tests at Edwards given the base's unique test assets such as multiple runways, a controlled airspace, large dry lakebeds and flying weather.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 17, 2017) A T-45C Goshawk, assigned to Training Air Wing (TRAWING) 2, prepares land on the flight deck aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is currently underway conducting Carrier Qualifications in preparation for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anthony Flynn/Released)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Bryant A. Corpuz, a flightline mechanic with Joint Task Force - Leeward Islands, waits to launch a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in preparation for departure from Mu?iz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 18, 2017. The task force is moving their aircraft to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, in preparation for Hurricane Maria, so they can continue their humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission once the storm passes. At the request of allied nations, JTF-LI deployed aircraft and service members to areas in the eastern Caribbean Sea affected by Hurricane Irma. The task force is a U.S. military unit composed of Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen, and represents U.S. Southern Command?s primary response to Hurricane Irma. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Melanie Kilcline)

A Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon waits to receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Sept. 15, 2017, over the North Sea. The mission was in support of Exercise Cobra Warrior, a RAF exercise focused on tactical leadership training and graduating qualified weapons instructors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

A Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon receives fuel via the multi-point refueling system on a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Sept. 15, 2017, during an air refueling mission supporting Exercise Cobra Warrior. Cobra Warrior is a three-week long, RAF exercise focused on tactical leadership training and graduating qualified weapons instructors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

A U.S. Air Force 37th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron B-1B Lancer, assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the vicinity of the East China Sea, Sept. 18, 2017. The Lancer serves as premier platform for America?s long-range bomber force, carrying the largest conventional payload of guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 19, 2017? Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently completed its 300th Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.

EOTS is an imaging sensor which allows the F-35 to identify, track and designate targets. The 300th EOTS was completed under the 10th Low-Rate-Initial Production (LRIP) contract, and each system was delivered on time or ahead of schedule.

?Completing the 300th EOTS is a testament to the growth of the F-35 program and our ability to produce a reliable and affordable system,? said Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control/Special Operations Forces Contractor Logistics Support Services at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. ?More than 650 EOTS have been ordered to date, and we are committed to continuing to drive down the cost and increase performance to support the F-35.?

F-35 EOTS is the world?s first sensor to combine forward-looking infrared and infrared search and track functionality to provide F-35 pilots with precise air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capability. EOTS allows aircrews to identify areas of interest, perform reconnaissance and precisely deliver laser and GPS-guided weapons.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, advanced mission systems, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and cutting-edge sustainment. More than 240 F-35s have been built and delivered worldwide, and they have collectively flown more than 105,000 flight hours.

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas ? A specially modified Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules aircraft, assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, is seen through the hangar doors of the Operations Hangar as it is silhouetted by the setting sun over the Kelly Field Annex here, Sept. 19, 2017. The aircraft, the 910th?s flagship, is a backup to three C-130s temporarily based here to conduct mosquito control aerial spray applications over areas of eastern Texas devastated by Hurricane Harvey. More than 90 Reserve Citizen Airmen are working out of the Kelly Field Annex here to support the 910th?s mosquito control aerial spray operations including members of the 757th Airlift Squadron, 910th Aerial Spray Maintenance Flight, 910th Operations Support Squadron, 910th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 910th Maintenance Squadron, 910th Force Support Squadron, 910th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office. Since operations began, this special mission has treated more than 2.3 million acres at the direction of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to assist in recovery efforts by helping contain the significant increase in pest insects caused by large amounts of standing, stagnant water. The 910th Airlift Wing operates the Department of Defense?s only aerial spray capability to control pest insect populations, eliminate undesired and invasive vegetation and disperse oil spills in large bodies of water. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.)

Two Egyptian A?rospatiale Gazelle helicopters participate in a combined arms live fire exercise during Bright Star 2017, Sept. 20, 2017, at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Egypt. More than 200 U.S. service members are participating alongside the Egyptian armed forces for the bilateral U.S. Central Command Exercise Bright Star 2017, Sept. 10 ? 20, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Battles)

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) prototype laser weapon system proved that an advanced system of sensors, software and specialized optics can deliver decisive lethality against unmanned aerial vehicle threats.

In tests conducted with the U.S. Army's Space and Missile Defense Command in August, the 30-kilowatt class ATHENA (Advanced Test High Energy Asset) system brought down five 10.8' wingspan Outlaw unmanned aerial systems at the Army's White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. ATHENA employed advanced beam control technology and an efficient fiber laser in this latest series of tests of the prototype system. Click here to see a video of the testing.

"The tests at White Sands against aerial targets validated our lethality models and replicated the results we've seen against static targets at our own test range," said Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin's Chief Technology Officer. "As we mature the technology behind laser weapon systems, we're making the entire system more effective and moving closer to a laser weapon that will provide greater protection to our warfighters by taking on more sophisticated threats from a longer range."

Lockheed Martin partnered with Army Space and Missile Defense Command on a cooperative research and development agreement to test ATHENA.

The system defeated airborne targets in flight by causing loss of control and structural failure. Lockheed Martin and the Army will conduct post mission reviews, and data collected will be used to further refine the system, improve model predictions and inform development of future laser systems.

ATHENA is a transportable, ground-based system that serves as a low-cost test bed for demonstrating technologies required for military use of laser weapon systems. Lockheed Martin funded ATHENA's development with research and development investments. It uses the company's 30-kilowatt Accelerated Laser Demonstration Initiative (ALADIN) that provides great efficiency and lethality in a design that scales to higher power levels. ATHENA is powered by a compact Rolls-Royce turbo generator.

Lockheed Martin is positioning laser weapon systems for success on the battlefield because of their speed, flexibility, precision and low cost per engagement. For additional information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/laserweaponsystems

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 20, 2017. This is the fifth C-130J delivered to Yokota and the first from Ramstein Air Base. Crewmembers from the 36th Airlift Squadron flew halfway around the world to deliver an aircraft here. Yokota serves as the primary Western Pacific airlift hub for U.S. Air Force peacetime and contingency operations. Missions include tactical airland, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, special operations and distinguished visitor airlift. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

A B-52 Stratofortress, from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., sits on the runway at Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, Sept. 18, 2017, after a mission in support of bomber assurance and deterrence operations. U.S. Strategic Command bomber forces regularly conduct combined theater security cooperation engagements with allies and partners, demonstrating the U.S. capability to command, control and conduct bomber missions across the globe. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility and flexibility of the military's forces to address today's complex, dynamic and volatile global security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia)

Members of a U.S. Agency for International Development elite disaster team prepare their gear before boarding a Travis Air Force Base, Calif., C-17 Globemaster III at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Sept. 20, 2017. The team was headed for Mexico to support search and rescue efforts after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joseph Swafford)

SEATTLE, Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced an order today for four 787-8 Dreamliners. The order, which was previously listed on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website, attributed to an unidentified customer, is valued at more than $900 million at current list prices and will expand JAL's Dreamliner fleet to 49 airplanes.

"This order for additional 787 Dreamliners, is a key part of our strategy as we look to bolster our existing route network and strengthen our position ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo," said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines. "The superior noise performance of the 787 will play a critical role in meeting our commitment for quieter operations within our domestic network going forward."

Japan Airlines currently operates the second largest 787 Dreamliner fleet in the world, with 34 airplanes. The carrier is expected to receive its 35th Dreamliner, a 787-9 later this week. With this new order, Japan Airlines' 787 fleet include 29 787-8s and 20 787-9 airplanes.

"We are honored to partner with Japan Airlines once again as they further expand their world-class fleet with additional 787 Dreamliners," said Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "JAL has been able to successfully grow its business over the years, while generating healthy profits due to the efficiency and reliability of their 787 fleet."

Japan Airlines became the first airline in the world to take delivery of a 787 powered by fuel-efficient General Electric GEnx engines in 2012. In addition, JAL was one of the first airlines to launch new routes with the 787, as it launched its Boston and San Diego routes with the Dreamliner that same year.

The 787 Dreamliner family is being operated on more than 530 routes, with 150 brand new nonstop routes planned or in service since the airplane began commercial service in 2011. To date, 69 customers worldwide have placed orders for 1,278 airplanes, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest selling twin-aisle airplane in Boeing history.

About Japan Airlines:
Japan Airlines (JAL) was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan. A member of the oneworld? alliance, the airline now reaches more than 344 airports in 56 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of more than 227 aircraft. JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), the airline's loyalty program, has reached over 31 million members worldwide. Awarded one of the most punctual major international airlines, JAL is committed to providing customers with the highest levels of flight safety and supreme quality in every aspect of its service, and aims to become the most preferred airline in the world.

U.S. Coast Guard crewmembers from the Air Station Miami, Florida board an HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for Hurricane Maria damage assessment of Puerto Rico and continue relief operations Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse)

09.19.2017
Retired Nevada Air National Guard pilot Rick Vandam stands in front of ?American Spirit,? an L-39 Albatross, Czechoslovakian manufactured high-performance jet trainer he flew to victory last weekend at the Reno National Championship Air Races. Photo courtesy Rick Vandam

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Sept. 21, 2017. This jet and five others were the last operational F-16s to depart the base, primarily for Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Hill AFB will be home to three operational fighter squadrons with 78 F-35s by the close of 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232) prepare to conduct a hotload excerise during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-18 in Yuma, AZ, on Sept. 20, 2017. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brennon A. Taylor)

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced the airline's intention to order 40 787-9 Dreamliners. The order will be reflected on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website once finalized.

"The 787 Dreamliner is the most technologically advanced airplane in the world," said M. ?lker Ayc?, chairman of the board and the executive committee, Turkish Airlines. "Our intent to purchase these Dreamliners is to meet the demand for wide-body airplanes at the 3rd Airport, further strengthen our fleet capacity on the 100th anniversary of the Republic and to enhance passenger satisfaction."

"Turkish Airlines is a great partner, and we value their confidence in us and the 787 Dreamliner," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister.

Boeing and the Turkish government also announced the Boeing Turkey National Aerospace Initiative, which is designed to support the growth of the Turkish aerospace industry, in conjunction with the targets set by Turkey's Vision 2023, and strengthen Boeing's presence in the market.

"Boeing's relationship with Turkey spans more than 70 years and we have outstanding long-term partnerships," said Ray Conner, Boeing vice chairman. "Working together with Turkey, we are now taking our collaboration to the next level, which will accelerate the growth of the Turkish aerospace industry while achieving Boeing's long-term objective to expand its presence in the marketplace."

The initiative outlines a strategic framework that aligns Boeing investment and programs with the government, Turkish airlines, aerospace service companies and industry suppliers in the areas of research, engineering and skills development. It reflects Boeing's confidence in the long-term outlook for Turkey as a significant market and a leading global industry participant.

Boeing has maintained a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey since the 1940s. Boeing is a provider of commercial jetliners to Turkish airlines and a significant and trusted partner of the Turkish aerospace industry.

Department of Defense personnel offloads essential relief supplies from a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stalion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 23, 2017. The 26th MEU is assisting with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The Department of Defense is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dana D. Legg)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flightline Sept. 23, 2017, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Airmen from JB Charleston provided relief efforts to those recently affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Support items they brought included pallets of meals ready to eat, cases of water and a stand-up air traffic mobile control tower to support the relief effort operations of St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Cupit)

A KC-130J Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing demonstrates an aerial refueling for spectators at the 2017 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, Calif., Sept. 24. The theme for the air show is ?A Salute to Vietnam Veterans? and features several performances and displays recognizing the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans. The air show also showcased various military and civilian aircraft, spanning more than 70 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Clare J. McIntire/Released)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, deployed from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker Sep. 23, 2017. This mission was flown as part of the continuing demonstration of the ironclad U.S. commitment to the defense of its homeland and in support of its allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Richard Ebensberger)

An F-16 Falcon assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, takes off from the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore., Sept. 20, 2017 during dissimilar air combat training (DACT). The 142nd Fighter Wing has been hosting the 301st Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station Reserve Base, Texas, from Sept. 9-23, while conducting DACT, provides realistic combat scenarios for pilots to hone aerial tactics. (U.S. Air National Guard photo/Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kari Fleming (left), and Royal Air Force Flight Lt. Matt Jenkinson, both C-17 pilots from the 14th Airlift Squadron, operate a C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 24, 2017, while flying over the U.S. Virgin Islands. Airmen from the JB Charleston provided relief efforts to those recently affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Over 130,000 pounds of meals ready to eat and water were transported to St. Croix and distributed to the local personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Cupit)

A CBP Air and Marine Operations UH-60 Black Hawk sits on a mountain top in central Puerto Rico on Sunday, September 24, while a AMO team tends to a elderly gentlemen a half mile down the mountain.
Photo by Kris Grogan

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper engages a target during Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 1-18 in Yuma, AZ, on Sept. 22, 2017. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tatics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brennon A. Taylor)

EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways announced an order today for two 747-8 Freighters and four 777-300ERs (Extended Range), valued at $2.16 billion at list prices.

The orders were previously unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

The airline also received the first of its 747-8 Freighters at a delivery ceremony attended by His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister.

"The addition of our very first 747-8 Freighter is a significant moment for our Cargo division, and a welcome addition to our 20-strong cargo fleet of wide-body aircraft," said His Excellency Mr. Al Baker. "As the world's third-largest cargo operator, Qatar Airways continues to invest in fleet expansion, with a second 747-8F due to be delivered in November. This reflects our confidence in Boeing to continue to deliver an outstanding product that meets our exacting standards. We expect no less than perfection, and we are confident that Boeing will continue to deliver that."

Today's announcement is the latest milestone in Qatar Airways' relationship with Boeing. The carrier became a launch customer for the 777X in 2013, was the first to operate the 787 in the Middle East and has 20 737 MAX airplanes on order.

"We are proud of our strong, enduring and growing partnership with Qatar Airways and we truly appreciate the value its business has brought to Boeing, its employees, suppliers and our communities," McAllister said. "As one of the world's largest international cargo carriers, it is heartening that Qatar Airways has selected the 747-8 Freighter to meet the needs of its growing cargo operations and to see the important role the 777-300ER continues to play in its long-haul fleet."

Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of nearly 100 Boeing widebody airplanes and has more than 100 additional Boeing airplanes on order.

The 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is optimized to provide greater revenue cargo-carrying capability than the 747-400, offering 16 percent more cargo volume while keeping its unique nose door.

The 777-300ER has the highest schedule reliability of any twin-aisle airplane flying today. It is the flagship of the world's elite airlines.