It's the decision the state has been anticipating for months, and at about 2 p.m. today, the word finally came down from the other Washington: It's Boeing.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense today announced they've awarded The Boeing Company a $35 billion contract to produce 179 aerial refueling tankers. The tanker will be built primarily in Everett and Wichita, Kan., and will mean 50,000 jobs. Boeing's bid won out over a competing bid by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, or EADS, parent company of Airbus.
Recent analyst speculation indicated the bid tilting in EADS' favor. Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, speaking at noon today before AWB's Lobby Lunch guests, indicated he and the governor were anxious about today's decision. But in the end, Boeing got the nod.
AWB continues to support Boeing’s NewGen Tanker effort. EADS could still block the Boeing contract in Congress. So the battle is not over as yet, but as AWB President Don Brunell said today, "this is a giant step forward."
Congratulations to one of AWB's longtime member companies on this important decision for the company, its employees, their families and the state of Washington.
Read more about local reaction to the decision here:
- Statement by Gov. Gregoire: "a great day for The Boeing Company"
- Washingon Aerospace Partnership: "a victory for the aerospace industry in Washington state"
