Boeing delivers C-17 Globemaster III to Qatar

Boeing delivered the first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the Qatar Emiri Air Force yesterday.

Qatar became the first Middle East nation to order the C-17 when it signed an agreement with Boeing on July 21, 2008, for the purchase of two advanced airlifters and associated equipment and services.

Boeing will deliver Qatar's second C-17 later this year. The company will provide operational support, including material management and depot maintenance support, under the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership.

There are currently 205 C-17s in service worldwide. Include this delivery, 16 have been placed with international customers including Qatar, the Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability consortium of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, and the United Arab Emirates. 189 are with the U.S. Air Force.

Image courtesy Boeing