27 carrier to operate the 787, leasing at least three of them, beginning in 2018. “A significant piece of the 787 is built in Italy and we’re very proud to now have an Italian carrier committed to flying that airplane,” Rubenstein said. Crossover is a constant in Boeing- Italian dealings. Boeing has worked for 25 years with central Italy supplier Umbra Cuscinetti, which makes ball screws used in airplane flaps. Umbra now operates a subsidiary office in Everett, Wash., less than a mile from the Boeing factory. “Umbra is family-owned and has a long-term commitment to aviation, and companies that have a long-term view are more consistent with our needs and expectations,” said Kent Fisher, vice president and general manager, Commercial Airplanes Supplier Management. Boeing and Italy maintain a seamless connection, one built through defense and commercial sales, plus supplier partnerships that entice a company such as Umbra to the U.S. and collaborations that put Americans to work in Rome and other parts of the country. “We value Italy’s openness and the partnerships we have there, and we invest in those partnerships,” Allen said. “They are an important model for others around Europe and the world.” n da niel .w.rale y@boeing.com Photo: Boeing has delivered four KC-767A tankers to the Italian air force and supplies a 45-person team to help service them. IV ANO DI DOMENICO Photo: Need cutline SHUTT ERSTOC K ma y 2015
Frontiers May 2015 Issue
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