Boeing (NYSE: BA) submitted its final proposal for the Air Force’s KC-X tanker competition.
The much-discussed deal carries a potential value of $35 billion for the winner – either Boeing or Airbus-parent EADS.
The firm reports a Boeing tanker will save taxpayers “tens of billions of dollars in fuel costs” for the next four decades and “support 50, 000 American jobs with more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.”
Boeing leadership feels the firm has made its case.
“This decision is critical to America’s national security and its manufacturing base, ” CEO Jim McNerney said. “Our best-of-Boeing team has offered the most capable and fuel-efficient tanker that will enable the U.S. Air Force to continue serving as the world’s finest air refueling provider without breaking future defense budgets.”
“Our challenge is to replace the KC-135, one of the most valuable aircraft fleets in aviation history, and we responded to the U.S. Air Force’s requirements by proposing the best multimission airplane built by the most experienced people – the NewGen Tanker, ” Boeing Defense, Space & Security CEO Dennis Muilenburg said. “We have an integrated team that has spent the entire competition focusing on our customer and preparing to execute immediately after the contract is awarded. Boeing is ready to build America’s next tanker.”
