Boeing "Disappointed" Some Issues Not Addressed, Northrop
Withholding Comment
Both Boeing and Northrop Grumman say they have received the
final RFP for the Air Force KC-X tanker program, with neither
company saying they are particularly pleased with the document that
was released Wednesday.
Boeing 767 Tanker
In a statement, Boeing indicated that it was hoping the RFP
would address concerns it has about subsidies provided by European
governments for Airbus. "Boeing has begun the process of closely
studying the details of the KC-X Tanker final RFP," Jean
Chamberlin, vice president and general manager, Boeing USAF Tanker
Program, said in the statement. "Today's release of the final RFP
is an important milestone for our Air Force customer. Not only does
it mean that the KC-X competition can proceed, it also is a strong
signal that America is moving forward on replacing its air
refueling capability -- a critical enabler for projecting power and
protecting this nation."
"We've said consistently that it is up to the Air Force to
determine the KC-X requirements for a new generation of tankers.
It's our responsibility to respond to those requirements," the
statement continued. "While we appreciated the open dialogue with
the Air Force throughout this process, we are disappointed that the
RFP does not address some of our key concerns, including Airbus'
unfair competitive advantage derived from subsidies from its
sponsor European governments -- subsidies that the World Trade
Organization has found to be illegal and harmful to U.S. workers
and industry -- and how fuel and military-construction costs over
the life of the tankers will be factored into consideration of the
competing bids. We will review the RFP in its entirety and in
detail before offering further assessment."
Airbus A330 Tanker
The international news service AFP reports that Northrop
Grumman, EADS' U.S. partner in the bidding process, is "analyzing"
the RFP. But Northrop spokesman Randy Belote said the companies
would "defer further public comments until its review of the
document has been completed."
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