ROME, May 13, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, today signed a contract for the manufacture and support of 16 ICH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Italian Army. The contract makes Boeing the prime subcontractor to AgustaWestland for the new aircraft.

The contract is worth approximately 900 million euros ($1.23 billion).

Boeing will build the ICH-47F fuselage at its facility in Ridley Park, Pa. Prime contractor AgustaWestland will be responsible for design and systems integration, aircraft final assembly and delivery to the Italian Army. AgustaWestland is expected to begin deliveries in 2013.

"This is an exciting moment for two great companies," said Jack Dougherty, Boeing H-47 Program vice president, who participated in the signing ceremony. "This contract continues our long-standing cooperation on the Chinook program and marks an important step forward in the successful relationship between our companies. We are very proud to help provide the Italian Army with a new generation of multirole helicopters."

Dougherty further commended the entire Italian Ministry of Defense team, including the General Directorate of Air Armaments (ARMAEREO) -- which is procuring the latest version of F-Model Chinooks on behalf of the Italian Army -- for its professionalism and focus.

"We are happy to have set this major milestone," said Alessandro Parrini, AgustaWestland senior vice president, Italian Government Business Unit. "This contract, which marks the latest step in the long-lasting relationship between AgustaWestland and the Italian Army, further strengthens the strategic partnership between the company and the service, and it will provide a significant contribution to the modernization of the Italian Army helicopter fleet."