INTERVIEW with Boeing’s VP
In an exclusive interview, Ahram Online discussed with Boeing’s Vice President for Business Development, Defense, Space and Security in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey Rick Lamester the future of the aviation industry amid the ongoing pandemic.
Lamester also discussed the new products and technologies Boeing is showcasing at the four-day event.
Ahram Online: How do you think Boeing can benefit from EDEX?
Rick Lamester: First, we would like to offer our congratulations to the Egyptian Armed Forces and all Egyptian citizens on a successful EDEX 2021.
This show presents Boeing with an opportunity to showcase our latest capabilities, technologies, and service offerings across land, sea, and air for customers in Egypt and across the Middle East region.
Through our various programmes that we have on display this week at EDEX, Boeing is able to demonstrate its commitment in supporting the region’s security requirements and considerable potential for growth.
And second, our meetings with customers at the Egyptian Air Power Symposium the day prior to EDEX and continuing into EDEX gave us the opportunity to sit down with our customers face to face and really listen to their needs and concerns in a way that has just been difficult over telecons and Zoom calls for the past year and a half. We value those relationships and are pleased they remain solid and steadfast despite the trials of COVID-19.
AO: What products and technologies that can support Egypt’s defence and security sector is Boeing showcasing at the EDEX?
RL: Boeing will be discussing capabilities of interest and future needs for the region with customers and sharing new capabilities that Boeing brings to the market with platforms such as AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, KC-46, F-15EX, T-7, Integrator ER, and Wave Glider, as well as showcasing our Boeing Global Services portfolio with sustainment, modernisation and upgrades.
We look forward to having discussions with our partners as well as our customers to discuss the existing and future defence and security needs of the region, and how Boeing can offer the right capabilities, infrastructure and services at the right time.