Connecticut Involved In Tanker Bid

Aircraft maker Boeing has submitted its latest bid for the Air Force tanker plane contract. The fate of the proposal has huge implications for Pratt & Whitney and several other Connecticut contractors. WNPR’s Harriet Jones reports.

The contest to build the next generation aerial refueling tanker for the Air Force has been long and controversial. This latest round of bidding is the third attempt over almost a decade to settle the contract, which is closely contested between Boeing and European rival Airbus. Pratt & Whitney has been confirmed as the prime engine contractor on the Boeing bid, and the work would also involve five other Connecticut suppliers working with Boeing to provide components and systems for the plane. Governor Jodi Rell says the project could create and support thousands of jobs.

"It’s also pumping millions of dollars into our very sluggish economy. A Boeing NewGen Tanker could bring in nearly $340 million in annual economic impact. That frankly is nothing to sneeze at – it’s something that we all desperately are looking for in each and every one of our states."

The Air Force has already received a rival submission from Airbus. It says it hopes to make a final decision on the $35 billion contract by November.

For WNPR, I'm Harriet Jones.