Oct 25 (Reuters) - Boeing (NYSE:BA) Co BA.N
* Boeing says continue to make steady progress closing out technical risk on the path to final certification, and to delivering the first 18 tankers next year
* Boeing says it has seen steady orders and has high confidence in a meaningful increase in widebody replacement demand early next decade
* Boeing says international demand for its defense and space offerings remains high as well
* Boeing says its global services unit is on track to hit full year operating margins of between 15.0 and 15.5 percent
* Boeing CEO says, "As we look into 2018, we should see moderate levels of research and development from what you're going to see this year"
* Boeing says has lots of growth opportunity in its core narrowbody business
* Boeing says recent changes in the marketplace, the discussions between Airbus and Bombardier, don't change its strategy
* Boeing says remains skeptical on the UTC-Rockwell Collins deal
* Boeing says it will continue to keep its options open for opportunities related to inorganic or partnership models Further company coverage: BA.N