Boeing delivered the sixth United Arab Emirates (UAE) C-17 Globemaster III to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence earlier this month at the company’s final assembly facility in Long Beach.

The delivery completes an agreement announced on Jan. 6, 2010, for six advanced airlifters to modernize the UAE’s transport capabilities. Boeing delivered four C-17s to the UAE in 2011 and a fifth aircraft in May.

“After every delivery, UAE C-17s fly into action, conducting humanitarian airlift and disaster-response missions and life-saving aeromedical evacuation,” said Bob Ciesla, Boeing vice president, Airlift, and C-17 program manager. “We’re proud to deliver another C-17 that strengthens the UAE Air Force and Air Defence’s range and ability to perform critical airlift missions around the globe.”

The C-17 is the global airlifter of choice, delivering cargo in every worldwide operation for more than a decade. The C-17’s ability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields in rough, land-locked regions make it a premier transporter for military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. With a full payload of 164,900 pounds, a C-17 can fly 2,400 nautical miles and land in 3,000 feet or less on a small unpaved or paved airfield, day or night.

As part of the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics agreement with the U.S. Air Force, Boeing provides after-delivery support to the UAE C-17 fleet. The GISP provides all C-17 customers an affordable sustainment solution that includes the C-17 “virtual fleet” arrangement where all participants benefit from the economies of scale found in purchasing materials for the entire worldwide fleet.

“Through innovative Performance-Based Logistics contracting and partnering with customers, we have provided tailored support solutions, maintaining the highest level of aircraft readiness while continuously reducing the cost of ownership,” said Gus Urzua, vice president, C-17 GISP.

Boeing has delivered 244 C-17s worldwide, including 216 to the U.S. Air Force active duty, Guard and Reserve units. A total of 28 C-17s have been delivered to Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India has 10 C-17s on order for delivery in 2013 and 2014.

Boeing press release