(Photo by Joe Osciak)
The Boeing Company on Monday announced it will relocate the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) and B-1 Program from Long Beach to Oklahoma City.
In the first quarter of 2011, Boeing will begin moving the C-130 AMP, concluding by the end of 2012 with the move of the B-1 Program.
C-130 AMP brings commonality to the C-130 fleet by offering flexibility in assigning aircrew, regardless of the model design type, and reducing aircraft operating costs while addressing obsolescence and providing for future capability growth. The program recently was approved by the Air Force for low-rate initial production.
The Boeing B-1 Program is modernizing the B-1 Lancer bomber to further enhance its conventional munitions capability. Multiple upgrades are being tested this year to improve the bomber’s capabilities.
Both programs, which now employ approximately 800 people in Southern California, are part of the Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades (MM&U) division of the Global Services & Support business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
About 550 positions will be relocated to Oklahoma City, and the remaining positions will be reduced from the programs over the next two years as contracts are fulfilled.
“Making a decision like this is never easy, but as we reviewed our anticipated operating costs for the next several years, it became clear that Boeing needs to take major actions on these programs in order to remain affordable for our customers,” MM&U Vice President and General Manager Mark Bass said.
“We remain committed to maintaining the excellent record of performance that our employees deliver for our U.S. Air Force B-1 and C-130 AMP customers during this transition.”
