OREANDA-NEWS. British Prime Minister David Cameron praised Boeing [NYSE: BA] for providing excellent value, and a close partnership with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD), which led to a five-year extension of the contract under which Boeing supports the Royal Air Force’s Chinook helicopters.

“The Chinook support contract represents significant value for money for what is a very capable and versatile support helicopter, protecting UK interests at home and abroad,” Cameron said during a visit to the Royal Dockyards in Portsmouth, UK.

Sir Michael Arthur, president of Boeing UK, and David Pitchforth, managing director of Boeing Defence UK, attended the event.

The Through Life Customer Support (TLCS) effort supports about 450 jobs in the UK, with more than 500 additional people supporting other aspects of the Royal Air Force’s Chinook fleet. That fleet is the largest in Europe.

“This is a pathfinder program for MoD-wide, performance-based contracting,” said Sir Michael Arthur. “Boeing is expanding its presence in the UK and our customers benefit from the expertise and support of the entire Boeing enterprise.”

Pitchforth added “BDUK has delivered aircraft availability that’s 10 percent above the requirement, and has driven serviceability to an all-time high.”

Boeing employs more than 1,800 people in the UK and invests more than \$2.1 billion annually with UK-based suppliers.