US Air Force says tanker info request to go out Tuesday

Posted on: Apr. 25th, 2006 || Source: marketwatch.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The U.S. Air Force said Tuesday it will issue a request for information on new tanker planes, in the official opening salvo of a long-awaited tanker competition.

The Air Force has struggled with how to replace its aging tanker planes for years, ever since a $23 billion plan to lease and buy Boeing Co. (BA) planes fell through. Now the Pentagon wants to hold a broad competition that may consider used aircraft and commercial refueling services, as well as new planes built by Boeing and Airbus (ABI.YY).

With Tuesday's request, the Air Force will survey industry about available options. Later on, the service will issue specific requirements and ask for bids.

"The next milestone in the U.S. Air Force's recent resumption of its tanker recapitalization program will occur today, 25 April, when the service issues a request for information to industry," the Air Force said in a press release.

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