PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
US Department of Defense backs down on Boeing-only approach after tough rebuke from Congressional committee
The US Air Force has issued EADS with a request for information (RFI) for its proposed Airbus A330-based in-flight refuelling tankers, in addition to soliciting similar data from Boeing on the 767.
The move follows stinging US Congress criticism of US Department of Defense plans to negotiate solely with the US manufacturer for a 100-tanker lease.
The USAF says it sent the RFI to EADS as well as Boeing "to assess the company's ability to meet our needs and time-line". But the EADS initiative has come after Senate Armed Services Committee member John McCain criticised air force secretary James Roche, earlier this month, for authorising the USAF to discuss the lease only with Boeing.
Roche defended the decision, saying cancellation of 767 orders post-11 September had created opportunities for a good deal. Airbus and EADS have also protested over the absence of competition, having worked for two years to position the A330 for the USAF's KC-X future tanker requirement. Airbus chief executive Noel Forgeard said last month the company would be able to undercut Boeing's reported $20 billion, 10-year lease proposal by up to 40%.
EADS lacks a US partner to help promote the A330, and hopes of building on a relationship with Lockheed Martin based on an A320 Multimission Maritime Aircraft offering have evaporated after the US company pulled out of the deal. While most insiders give EADS little chance of success, one observer says: "It will control the price Boeing wins, and put down a marker for next time."
The USAF has established a tanker programme office to talk with Boeing and EADS over the next six months. While the USAF has approval to negotiate a lease, it will still be required to return to Congress to seek approval for any lease arrangement to ensure it is in the best interests of the US taxpayer.
Source: Flight International
