The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Aviation Training International Limited (ATIL) recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of a joint venture that provides Apache AH Mk1 attack helicopter training services to the British Army.

ATIL, a 50-50 joint venture company between Boeing and AgustaWestland, was formed in 1998 and is headquartered in Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom. With facilities in Middle Wallop, Arborfield, Wattisham and Dishforth, ATIL's 125 employees offer fully integrated classroom and synthetic training for British Army Apache aircrew, ground crew and maintenance personnel.

Hosted by ATIL Managing Director Chris Haynes, the July 19 anniversary event included videotaped comments from members of the British Army describing the company's critical role in their Military readiness.

"It's not just about aircrew. It's about teamwork. It's about ground crew and technicians. We've got to prepare them to do a very difficult job," said Col. David Turner, Apache Force Commander, U.K. Joint Helicopter Command, during the Video. "The ATIL personnel are embedded in the training that makes this army aviation team work and operate effectively."

ATIL began operations in 1998 by managing the installation of four advanced Apache training centers that included electronic classrooms, part task trainers and flight simulators. Partnering with the UK Ministry of Defence, ATIL started delivering training solutions to deploying British Army Apache crews in October 2000. That training helped units reach full operational capability prior to leaving for Afghanistan.

"What we do inside the simulator is mission rehearsal as well as basic flying and operational training. That mission rehearsal, with the graphics and program, allows us to replicate the Afghanistan environment. It gives us the edge," said Turner.

ATIL reports to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' Support Systems business and is an example of the company's globalization efforts, which include strategic investments, partnerships and joint ventures with local aerospace companies in key countries around the world.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.