EADS could pick L-3 Communications as a partner if it decides to compete against the Boeing Co. for a lucrative U.S. Air Force tanker contract.
Reports from Reuters and Defense News say the European company has been in discussions with several U.S. suppliers but that L-3 has emerged the favorite for a partnership with EADS.
EADS’ original partner, Northrop Grumman, dropped out of the contest on March 8, saying the Air Force favored Boeing for the contract to replace 179 Boeing KC-135 tankers. Boeing plans to offer the Air Force a tanker based on its Everett-built 767 commercial jet.
The Pentagon said recently that it will extend the May 10 deadline for bids by 60 days if EADS formally requests an extension. Although EADS has not yet done so, the company had said it would need a few weeks to decide whether to continue on in the contest.
The Air Force has made two previous attempts at replacing its aging tankers.
EADS is the parent company of Airbus — Boeing’s rival in the commercial aircraft market. The European consortium would like to get its foot in the door with the U.S. defense business and in manufacturing on American soil. EADS had planned to set up shop in Mobile, Ala., in partnership with Northrop.
— Michelle Dunlop, www.heraldnet.com/aerospaceblog
SBA loans increase in Northwest
More small businesses are receiving federally backed loans, and banks are increasing the amount they’re lending.
That’s according to data released last week by the Small Business Administration’s Seattle office. The first half of the government’s fiscal year, ending March 31, saw a 54 percent increase in the number of loans approved compared to the same time period the year before — from 635 to 976.
The amount banks are lending saw an even bigger jump, from $169 million to almost $332 million.
The loans are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The loans are backed by government funds, meaning they’re less risky for lenders.
— Amy Rolph, www.heraldnet.com/storefront
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
