Founded in 1916, Boeing, headquartered in Chicago, specializes in designing and assembling commercial jetliners, defense systems, and satellites, employing over 170,000 people globally. The company operates primarily through a network of 28,000 suppliers and has a significant international market presence, with 70% of its revenue from outside the U.S. As Boeing navigates industry challenges and competition from Airbus, it anticipates an average growth rate of 2.7% in revenue through 2016, amidst rising passenger numbers and economic growth in Asia.