Legislator Disappointed in Tanker Contract Outcome

Mar 03, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

Northrup Grumman to Build Parts of Tanker Overseas

(KCPW News) A Utah legislator is disappointed in the Air Force's decision to award a $40 billion contract to a company that will send some of the work to Europe. On Friday, the Air Force awarded a contract to build nearly 180 aerial refueling tankers to Northrop Grumman, which will have some parts built by Airbus in France. If rival Boeing had won the contract, it promised to build the planes entirely in the U.S. Representative Neil Hansen from Ogden says with the country facing an economic recession, the jobs should be staying here.

Boeing has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision.

Representative Hansen says they should consider that option, especially considering that the Air Force will be awarding two more contracts down the road, and this could influence which company gets the next two contracts.

Boeing estimated 600 new jobs would come to Utah if it were awarded the contract. Northrop Grumman says it will bring 220 jobs to the state. But Boeing's plane was estimated to be cheaper.

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