Written question asked by Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated) on Thursday, 6 June 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 June 2019. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Thursday, 13 June 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Boeing E-7: Procurement

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect the Boeing E-7 production line for the conversion of Boeing 737NG aircraft to come back into service.

Answer: While the E-7 Wedgetail is a mature, proven technology, it is produced to order and there is not a constant production line for the aircraft. However, the production line for the base Boeing 737 NG aircraft is still fully operational and has confirmed orders that will see it continuing for several years to come. Work is currently underway to establish a line to undertake the conversion work of the base 737 NG into the E-7 Wedgetail at Marshall Defence and Aerospace in Cambridge in preparation for our first aircraft to enter the modification process in 2021.

Secondary information