Interest in Reviving Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Production Surfaces

Boeing has revealed ongoing interest in reviving the production of the C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft, nearly five years after the last new unit was delivered. Despite halting production in 2013 due to a lack of orders and concluding its assembly line in Long Beach, California, with the delivery of several units without pre-existing contracts, Boeing’s vice-president and general manager services, Torbjorn Sjogren, shared insights into the demand for the aircraft during the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 5, 2024.

Sjogren highlighted that discussions about potentially restarting the production line have occurred, with several customers expressing regret over not acquiring the aircraft when it was available. He noted, “If we still had a lukewarm production line, there are a number of customers who have expressed interest.” However, he also cautioned about the substantial costs and challenges associated with reactivating a dormant production line.

The operational fleet of C-17s, supported by a global performance-based logistics deal from Boeing, boasts one of the highest mission readiness rates worldwide. Gulf Cooperation Council member nations, including Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, currently operate the C-17, with Saudi Arabia having nearly confirmed an order before production ceased.

Looking ahead, Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft is positioned as a potential successor to the C-17, according to Boeing Defense Space & Security vice-president Vince Logsdon, who emphasized the risk of missing out on production for potential customers.

The C-17 Globemaster III, renowned for its versatility and ability to perform various mobility missions, first flew on September 15, 1991. The demand and success of the aircraft led to a final fleet of 223 units, exceeding the initially planned purchase of 120 C-17s by the Air Force. Today, the C-17 serves a crucial role in global military operations, with various Air Force commands across the United States and internationally maintaining and operating the fleet.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com, flightglobal.com