Supply: EADS could return to racing
And if EADS came back in the race for tanker aircraft? The Pentagon expressed willingness Thursday to extend the tender for its tanker aircraft, while its recent withdrawal had caused anger in Paris and Berlin against Washington.
"The Defense Department has received notification from EADS North America showing its possible desire to contribute to the replenishment of the Air Force and U.S. we would support," said Geoff Morrell.
He added: "If necessary, we may reasonably consider extending the closing date of tender, currently set for mid-May, which" would not be unusual, "he said.
Louis Welsh, head of EADS, stated, however, at a press conference in New York, that such an initiative would require the postponement of the deadline for response to the call for tenders for the currently scheduled for May 12But he says it is "impossible" for his group to submit to the Air Force bid for U.S. tanker aircraft in 60 days, however, leaving the door open to any proposal flexcheck cash advance! ???!!!???!!!.
He said EADS had not taken any decision on a possible new bid for the contract, while Boeing is currently the only candidate. He also said that EADS had not sought another partner or been contacted by other groups to raise its offer.
A tender twice canceled
EADS and its U.S. partner Northrop Grumman withdrew from the bidding of the Pentagon, arguing that the terms of that favored Boeing.
The tender to supply 179 tanker aircraft to the U.S. Army, valued at 35 billion dollars, was awarded a first for Boeing in 2003, then again at Airbus (EADS) and its American ally Northrop Grumman in 2008, and each time canceled.