Boeing recently delivered the first of six C-17 Globemaster III airlifters to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence during a ceremony at the company’s final assembly facility in Long Beach.

The UAE will take delivery of three more C-17s this year and two in 2012 as it modernises its airlift capabilities.

“I am proud to say that the first C-17 airlifter delivered to the United Arab Emirates was built in the great state of California. C-17s can be seen in the skies over California and around the world delivering humanitarian aid to those in need, even to the most remote runways in the world,” said California Lt Governor Gavin Newsom. “My hope and mission is to make sure that we keep this capability alive and keep this production line rolling.”

“Congratulations to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence as they join the worldwide community of C-17 operators,” said Chris Chadwick, President, Boeing Military Aircraft. “We pledge that your commitment to the C-17 will be backed up by Boeing’s expertise, support and dedication – wherever your crews fly the finest airlifter the world has ever known.”