SEATTLE – With the Puget Sound's loss of the second 787 assembly line to South Carolina, the focus is now on the Boeing's battle to win the Air Force tanker contract. If Boeing wins, it's potentially a 179 plane deal, with the planes built in Everett.
Ironically, Charleston could help Boeing win.
The new pitch from Boeing to the military would not only include the 767, but the 777 which is already flying as a tanker in service for the Japanese.
It was about 18 months ago when the Air Force chose a partnership of American defense contractor Northrop-Grumman and the parent company of Europe's Airbus instead of Boeing to build the tankers. Boeing protested the decision and won, causing the Air Force to re-open the bidding.
The players are the same, including the competition, which plans to build their airplane in Alabama. But now that Boeing will be building Dreamliners in South Carolina, that may divide southern loyalties among that region's congressional delegation.
"That might actually help them a bit, gaining favor among the Republican delegation on the hill," said Michel Merluzeau, an aerospace and defense analyst with G2 Solutions.
Washington state's largely Democratic congressional delegation is considered more of a benefit now, with a Democratic controlled Congress and a Democrat in the White House, than it was last year with a Republican in the White House.
But the Air Force will be under a microscope to make sure, this time, the process is fairer. That still does not preclude the next tanker battle from becoming another marketing and political fight.
antisocialist said on October 31, 2009 at 9:16 AM
The biggest thing that would help Boeing win the tanker contract is to de-certify the pathetic machinists union in the northwest. How's that union leadership going for ya boys and girls? Those negotiations on the second line went well didn't they?.
antisocialist said on October 31, 2009 at 9:20 AM
The best chance of landing the tanker contract is if the pathetic machinists union gets decertified in the Northwest. Between the union extortionists and the ruling Democrat "anti-business" pols in Olympia Boeing had to flee to SC. Way to go!!
blankingout said on October 31, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Imagine the Boeing leaders outside the capital striking for lower taxes, it would be like the stupid Boeing union.. But instead of whining like the unions, they just found a new job aka new location. I admire that and don't feel sorry 4 the union.
golden said on October 31, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Can't blame for going to SC.
golden said on October 31, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Can't blame them for going to SC.
factoid said on October 31, 2009 at 6:53 PM
In 20 years Boeing will be gone. Everyone except the unions and the politicians see it coming. I own a small business and can tell you, this State is NOT business friendly. The Governor should pull her head out of the sand.
antisocialist said on October 31, 2009 at 8:10 PM
It may be sooner than that factoid. The democrats and unions cannot understand why big business doesn't appreciate outrageous employee demands and big taxes. Washington can look at Michigan to see it's future.
kindahokey said on November 1, 2009 at 5:21 AM
It is soooo unbelievable how many people would rather pay for a union boss's condo and yacht rather then keep their jobs isn't it? I pray for Boeing and see Airbus. Totally uncalled for.
Anonymous said on November 1, 2009 at 6:01 PM
This wakeup call is the best thing that ever happened to the IAM. Time for them to grow up and quit having grade school temper tantrums. What a bunch of whining, sniveling, crybabies.