WASHINGTON — The latest shot in a battle over which company will build the Air Force’s new aerial refueling tanker occurred Tuesday when the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that requires the Air Force to consider illegal foreign subsidies in awarding the tanker contract. The bill was pushed by the Congressional delegations from Boeing states. A World Trade Organization panel found european governments guilty of providing illegal subsidies to the European aircraft maker EADS for development of the Airbus A330 airframe, which serves as the basis for EADS’ proposal in the KC-X tanker competition, said Kansas representative and soon to be senator Jerry Moran. Boeing and Airbus have been fighting for years for the contract, which by Pentagon standards isn’t a large one. However, it’s expected to grow into a large contract over the years. The battle has pitted Midwestern and Western Congressional delegations against those of the deep south. If Airbus wins the contract, it plans to build assembly plants in Alabama and surrounding states. The bill goes to the U.S. Senate.
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
