Boeing beats EADS to $35bn US tanker prize

Article reports that Boeing clinched in February 2011 a fiercely contested contract to supply the US Air Force with refuelling aircraft, beating rival EADS, the European aerospace and defence company, to win the $35bn prize.

The victory capped a decade of false starts, political controversy and international intrigue over which of the two dominant global aerospace companies would eventually build a new fleet of 'flying petrol stations' for the US military.

Governments and trade unions across Europe reacted with dismay to the news.

ESO: Background information: Tankers: Battle for US contract enters final phase http://www.europeansources.info/record/tankers-battle-for-us-contract-enters-final-phase/

France24, 25.2.11: Boeing trumps EADS' bid to supply US Air Force tankers http://www.france24.com/en/20110224-boeing-trumps-eads-bid-supply-usaf-tankers

Deutsche Welle, 25.2.11: Disappointed EADS is still upbeat in the US http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,14873835,00.html

http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/all-press-releases.html http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/all-press-releases.html

Boeing: Press Release, 24.2.11: Boeing Receives US Air Force Contract to Build Next-Generation Refueling Tanker http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1638

United States: Department of Defense: Press Release, No.153, 211: Air Force Announces KC-46A Tanker Contract Award http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14292

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