Boeing 777-8 deal hailed as investment in aerospace jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 4, 2022) — Representatives from Boeing and GE Aviation, and the unions that represent their workers, gathered at the White House on Monday to announce the sale of up to 50 Boeing 777-8 Freighters with GE9X engines produced by GE Aviation and made in America by members of the Machinists (IAM) and the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE). The deal with Qatar Airways will support Boeing workers in the Puget Sound area and GE Aviation workers in Cincinnati.

(From left) IAM 751 President Jon Holden, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and IFPTE President Matthew Biggs at the White House deal signing on Monday.

“The IAM represents tens of thousands of members in the aerospace industry who welcome this long-term investment,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This investment, championed by the administration, signals an understanding of the impact of one of our nation’s most vital manufacturing sectors. [This] announcement gives hope to so many communities that will benefit from the good union jobs this investment will create.”

“Today’s investment recognizes the partnerships that helped make Washington state the hub for the aerospace industry,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “The IAM has trained aerospace workers since 1935, and it was made possible through collaboration. We help provide pathways into aerospace jobs in our communities through aerospace training and state-registered apprenticeship programs. The Puget Sound community will benefit from the good-paying family-wage jobs. On behalf of IAM District 751, I want to thank all parties for not only the future investment in our community but in our nation.”

“This achievement advances President Biden’s clear commitment to creating good union jobs and encouraging American manufacturing,” said IFPTE President Matthew Biggs. “It is a success story that is made possible by unionized aerospace workers, by our nation’s investment in the skills and education our workforce needs, and by government support to level the playing field for U.S.-based manufacturers that sell goods to the world.”

“SPEEA welcomes the 777X freighter program launch announcement as evidence that our voice at work, our commitment to create a better workplace, and our partnership with IAM 751 are central to the success of aerospace workers, our employers, and our industry,” said SPEEA President Ryan Rule. “This announcement and the continued development of the 777 show the value of a unionized aerospace workforce, of STEM education investments to support advanced manufacturing and research, and of government policies that level the playing field for U.S.-based manufacturers that sell goods to the world.”

► ALSO from the PS Business Journal — Boeing’s massive Qatar deal bolsters outlook for Everett factory — The Boeing Co.’s largest freighter order is a significant deal both for its dedicated cargo jets and its 777X production line in Everett, where the planes will eventually roll off the lot. The deal did not come as a surprise to most industry observers. For several months, rumors of a plan to launch a new version of the 777X jet had surfaced. In a White House deal signing Monday, Qatar Airways emerged as the launch customer and expects to begin taking deliveries of at least 34 new 777X freighter jets in 2027. The deal includes options for up to 16 more jets.