Governor Gregoire Signs Aerospace Business Bill Also Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, took delivery of its first 777 jetliner from Boeing

Per Governor Christine Gregoire FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, dated March 23rd, 2006:
FERNDALE - Governor Chris Gregoire today brought the Capitol to northwest Washington as she traveled to Mukilteo, Bellingham and Ferndale to take action on legislation.

At the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo, Governor Gregoire signed into law a bill she requested to provide excise tax relief to aerospace businesses (HB 2466). Governor Gregoire signed the bill after speaking at a ceremony for the delivery of AeroMexico’s first Boeing 777 at the Boeing Delivery Center at Paine Field.

“Winning the next generation of Boeing aircraft was an enormous accomplishment for Washington – winning the supplier base is the next hurdle. This bill is key to that recruitment,” said Governor Gregoire in Mukilteo. “The aerospace industry operates in a global economy and in order to keep our state’s aerospace industry competitive, we must help companies at all levels of the aerospace supply chain.”

In Bellingham, the Governor signed a bill to create the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) to help local governments promote economic development (HB 2673). The Governor issued a partial veto on the bill, on Section 702, which would have authorized a study on similar local financing programs in other states. (1)

Per Boeing News Release, dated March 23, 2006: Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, took delivery of its first 777 jetliner from Boeing [NYSE: BA] at a ceremony attended by Hispanic dignitaries, community leaders and Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire in March 23rd, 2006.

With the delivery, Aeromexico also becomes the first airline in the Americas to receive Boeing's Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). The airline will take a second 777-200ER in April.

Back in January 16, 2006, Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, Pablo Lopez, senior vice president Technical for Aeromexico had remark "Boeing's Class 3 EFB is the perfect solution for us to enhance the safety and efficiency of the new 777-200ERs that we will be getting in 2006," In today's competitive environment, airlines need to explore every option to optimize their operations, and we think EFB will help us be successful." (3)

The delivery ceremony at Paine Field was attended by Gregoire; Mexican Consul General Jorge Madrazo; Aeromexico CEO Dr. Andres Conesa; Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President and General Manager, Airplane Programs, Mike Cave; ILFC Chairman and CEO Steve Udvar-Hazy; GE General Manager of Sales, Americas, Kevin McAllister; and members of the Washington state legislature and senior Mexican community and business leaders.

"This historic event speaks to the long-lasting relationship between Boeing and Washington state and Mexico," Cave said. "With this 777 airplane, Mexico receives the most technologically advanced passenger airplane in the world. Boeing salutes Aeromexico and Dr. Conesa for their leadership in providing the best in air travel to their passengers, and we are thrilled to play a role in Aeromexico's fleet-renewal strategy." (2)

It is also positive to see The 777-200LR increases the value that the 777 family offers airlines and passengers, and particularly complements the popular 777-200ER. On long-range routes served by the 777-200ER, the 777-200LR provides an additional 53,100 lbs. of revenue cargo capability. It is also serves as the platform for the Boeing 777 Freighter, The 777-200LR is the world's largest, most capable twin-engine freighter.

It is wonderful to see that Governor Chris Gregoire and Washington State supports what it's needed for the aerospace industry operates in a global economy and in to keep our state’s aerospace industry competitive and helping companies at all levels of the aerospace supply chain.

Reported By: Catch4all.com, Positive Site: Sandra Englund, March 24, 2006.eing'll help us be successful."

(1)Office of Governor Christine Gregoire FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 23, 2006