Air Force tanker request gives Boeing edge, for now

Posted on: Jan. 31st, 2007 || Source: seattletimes.nwsource.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Air Force tanker request gives Boeing edge, for now

After a behind-the-scenes battle in which politics counted as much as procurement goals, the Pentagon on Tuesday unveiled its rules for a potential $100 billion contract to replace the Air Force fleet of refueling tankers - and the balance of power tilted toward Boeing.

The request for proposal (RFP) issued by the Pentagon "inherently favors Boeing" against its only competitor, a partnership between European Aeronautics Defence & Space (EADS), and Northrop Grumman, said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace industry analyst.

However, a win for Boeing is not guaranteed, and the battle over the RFP in Congress may not be over.

"This is the most politicized RFP I have ever seen," said Aboulafia, of The Teal Group near Washington, D.C.

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