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Dear Washington Aerospace Partnership Supporter, As the 787 makes its first flight, we want to share with you the press release issued by the Washington Aerospace Partnership. Washington Aerospace Partnership Congratulates Boeing on First Flight of the 787
Innovative aircraft takes to the skies as symbol of Boeing know-how less than a month before revised Air Force Refueling Tanker process begins The Washington Aerospace Partnership congratulated The Boeing Company today for the first flight of the Everett, Washington-assembled 787. The technologically advanced airliner--the first to utilize composite technologies developed around the world—-underwent a series of modifications in recent weeks to assure a safe maiden voyage. The business, labor and civic leaders that compose the Partnership believe the flight serves as testimony to Boeing's--and Washington's--continued leadership in aerospace advancements on the eve of an important Air Force Refueling Tanker contract proposal. "We're excited to see the 787 take to the skies and believe this will once again shine a spotlight on the expertise, innovations and strength of Boeing and its unique partnership with the state of Washington," said Tayloe Washburn, business leader and co-chair of the Partnership. "With the launch of the 787, Boeing and its workforce demonstrate the skills needed to meet commercial and military demands for the future." The Washington-based machinists and engineers who worked on final assembly of the plane and the modifications to prepare the plane for liftoff were critical. "We have the world’s best aerospace workers in Washington state, and today's flight is living proof of that expertise," said Rick Bender, president of the Washington State Labor Council and a Partnership co-chair. "You cannot build great planes without a trained, experienced work force and we are ready to partner on next generation planes—from the 737 to the Air Force Tanker." Indeed, with the Air Force preparing a January release of a hotly-contested proposal request for a modern fleet of refueling tankers, the Partnership is preparing to shift its focus beyond the 787, and beyond Washington’s borders.
"A Boeing-built tanker is a true multi-state effort that will bring jobs and opportunity to communities throughout the nation," said Bob Drewel, Puget Sound Regional Council executive director and Partnership co-chair. "Not only is a U.S.-designed and-built tanker critical to our economy here and elsewhere, but it's also critical to our national security. We plan to work hard to make sure Boeing wins this contract on a fair, level playing field."
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