Boeing cuts final C-17 output by three jets, ends production early

Boeing will produce three fewer of its C-17 cargo-carrying military transport planes than expected as it closes the production line, reflecting further decline in demand for the aircraft.
Boeing said that it would shut the production line in Southern California three months earlier than anticipated, in mid-2015 instead of late 2015.
Boeing first announced plans to close the line last September, and at the time said it would produce 22 more of the four-engine planes. It has since delivered five of the planes. It now plans to build 10 in 2014 and seven in 2015.
Of the 262 jets delivered so far, 223 went to the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force, which is under budget pressure, took delivery of its final new C-17 last year.
Foreign sales have not offset the loss of U.S. military orders. Boeing said it has logged 39 foreign sales to Australia, Canada, India, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Britain and a 12-nation group known as the Strategic Airlift Capability consortium.
reuters