Dispatch reliability of the C-17 is around 98%, an outstanding achievement for a military aircraft. This, together with a worldwide support service from Boeing for the global fleet of C-17s (not just USAF aircraft) has given the Globemaster III an enviable availability record.

The Royal Australian Air Force's first C-17A, A41-206, flies over the Australian parliament building in Canberra on December 6, 2006, following its delivery flight from the USA. The type is replacing C-130 Hercules with 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.

'Canada One’, the Canadian Forces' first CC-177 (C-17A), 177701, on final approach to Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario, during a training flight from the base on September 5, 2007. Canada's C-17s are operated by 429 'Bisons' Transport Squadron, which was re-established at Trenton under 8 Wing on July 18, 2007, to operate the type.

Air refuelling can be used to increase the 6,100nm range of the models containing an extended-range fuel tank system, but this capability is not used by the RAF. Due to their high demand for operational tasks, the RAF’s four C-17s cannot be spared for other than essential crew training and the aircrafts' unrefuelled range is quite adequate for their present roles.

Boeing C-17 87-0025 was the first Globemaster III to fly, making its maiden flight on September 15, 1991, and is now helping to pave the way to a 'greener future', by reducing the need for 'natural' jet fuel. Flight tests are being carried out from Edwards Air Force Base, with the engines burning a Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuel blend.

For such a large aircraft the C-17 is remarkably agile and can operate out of short runways and unprepared airstrips. Its short-field capability is due in part to the extra lift generated by the jet lift when the flaps are deflected. C-17 ZZ171 of 99 Sqn is about to carry out a practice short field landing using just half the width and a few hundred feet of Brize Norton's runway.

Although the RAF mainly capitalises on the C-17’s cavernous cargo hold to carry bulky and heavy loads into Iraq and Afghanistan, it might invest in palletised seating when the two extra aircraft enter service later this year. This will enable up to 150 passengers to be carried. The C-17 can also be equipped for medical evacuation, with 36 stretchers.