London - UPI
Boeing is bannering praise of its British subsidiary from Prime Minister David Cameron for its support of Royal Air Force CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
"The Chinook support contract represents significant value for money for what is a very capable and versatile support helicopter, protecting UK interests at home and abroad," Cameron said during a visit to the Royal Dockyards in Portsmouth.
Boeing Defense UK was recently awarded a five-year extension of Ministry of Defense contract for support of its Chinook fleet, the largest in Europe.
Boeing Defense UK's Chinook work is responsible for about 450 company jobs in Britain.
"This is a pathfinder program for MOD-wide, performance-based contracting," said Sir Michael Arthur, president of Boeing UK. "Boeing is expanding its presence in the UK and our customers benefit from the expertise and support of the entire Boeing enterprise."
Boeing UK said its service work for the CH-47 has resulted in an aircraft availability rate that's 10 percent higher than the contract requirement.