Boeing aircraft workers in the midstate Georgia are about to make part of their living from the people of India.
Announced as part of President Barack Obama’s trip to Asia last weekend, a $4.1 billion deal for 10 C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, approved by Congress, is set to be signed by the nation of India, the U.S. and Boeing.
The Air Force contract for the C-17 is winding down over the next two years, with 204 of the cargo aircraft delivered, said Jerry Drelling, Boeing C-17 spokesman in Long Beach, Calif.
“Unless something changes, our work with the Air Force contract is set to close, and, of course, having other interested parties out there keeps the C-17 a viable product and people at work,” Drelling said last week.
Foreign military sales provides work for more than 1,500 people in Macon and Warner Robins across several major defense programs.
Boeing’s Macon plant manufactures aircraft parts for many aircraft sold outside the United States, and at Robins Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force manages advanced avionics programs, along with F-15, C-17 and C-130 aircraft sales to 61 nations.
When finalized, the India deal would keep the C-17 production line open for at least another year and keep more than 600 people working at Boeing’s Macon plant, near the Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
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