EADS offers freighter jobs for tanker contract

Published 1:03 pm Monday, January 14, 2008

The Boeing Co.’s chief rival for a multi-billion dollar U.S. Air Force refueling tanker contract put a new spin on its offering. EADS stepped up its bid today, saying it will assemble Airbus A330 commercial freighters in Alabama if the Air Force awards the European company the tanker contract. With its partner Northrop Grumman, EADS already intends to build their KC-30 tanker in Mobile, Ala.

The aerospace companies say the combined freighter-tanker assembly would create at least 1,300 jobs in Mobile.

The pair is vying against the Boeing Co., which has offered its Everett-built 767. Coincidentally (or not), Boeing released a study that shows its 767 is more fuel efficient than the A330. With rising fuel prices, Boeing’s tanker could offer long term savings, the company says.

With an Air Force decision anticipated by the end of March, both Boeing and Northrop-EADS likely will step up their lobbying of the agency and Congress. The competition has become increasingly political with state officials stepping to the plate. Just last week, Arizona lawmakers made a pitch to the Air Force for Boeing, saying America’s defense business should be dealt with by American companies.

Likewise, Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Ala., said in the EADS press release: “The Mobile community and South Alabama are pleased and excited to once again showcase our great state and its resources to the aerospace industry, our nation and the world. Our skilled workers are ready to meet the challenges and demands of both the KC-30 Tanker and the 21st century global competition of large commercial aircraft.”