On the occasion of the successful launch of the Strategic Airlift Initiative representatives of the Boeing Company presented a C-17 model to Ambassador István Kovács.

Hungary is very grateful for the help and role played by Boeing in making the SAC-program a success. We hope that the successful start will trigger the interest of other countries so that that the current SAC-members (10 NATO-members and 2 partners) will soon be joined by others. The representatives of Boeing were optimistic concerning the program’s enlargement, as – according to their information – a number of countries have shown serious interest in joining. The American side appreciated the Hungarian Authorities’ work in setting up the program and were satisfied with the conditions that they have found on the Pápa airbase, which serves as the home of the C-17-s and their service personnel.

After the successful launch of the program Hungary will put the emphasis on keeping the SAC-program on the member states’ agenda.