Boeing Changes Strategy In Battle For The Tanker

Boeing says it plans to pitch tankers based on both the 777 and 767 when the $40 billion tanker contest resumes in a few weeks.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: June 15, 2009

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Boeing is making big changes to its strategy in the battle for the $40 billion tanker contract.

Company executives announced Monday at the Paris Air Show that Boeing will pitch tankers based on both the 777 and 767 when the contest resumes in a few weeks. Both planes are commercial jets.

Northrop Grumman/EADS won the contract to build 179 tankers for the Air Force in February 2008. But the Government Accountability Office upheld a protest filed by Boeing and the Pentagon canceled the contract.

If Northrop Grumman/EADS wins the contract again, the planes will be built at Brookley Field in Mobile.

During its presentation at the air show, Northrop Grumman argued the kc-30 is still the superior plane and the best value for America.