EVERETT — The Boeing Co. looks like a shoo-in to build the next presidential plane, considering its European rival won’t compete for the U.S. contract.
Boeing has been the government’s preferred supplier of its Air Force One fleet. Early this month, the Air Force suggested that companies interested in competing for the business should respond this week. Boeing’s competitor European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., the parent company of Airbus, said it won’t go after the contract.
Based on the Air Force’s solicitation, industry observers thought EADS may pit the Airbus A380 superjumbo jet against Boeing’s updated 747-8 jumbo jet. In 1990, the Air Force received the existing Boeing 747-200 aircraft, which had a estimated life of 30 years. The government hopes to buy three presidential jets with deliveries in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
The Air Force solicitation for bidders raised concerns that future American presidents would fly in a jet that wasn’t made in the U.S. But EADS reported that competing to build Air Force One would not help it meet its “business objectives” of winning aerospace and defense jobs.
It reiterated its commitment to bidding for the U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker contract with partner Northrop Grumman. The duo beat out Boeing for the $35 billion deal last February. But government auditors found flaws in the competition and suggested the Pentagon rebid the contract.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a congressional committee Tuesday that he plans to restart the tanker competition after the new presidential administration fills key defense posts and those positions are confirmed by Congress.
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