Expect GAO To Rule In Their Favor Over Boeing

Even with the Government Accountability Office set to rule on a formal protest filed by Boeing in the KC-X tanker contract, Northrop Grumman and EADS North America are going ahead with plans to join local, state and federal officials in Mobile, AL for a groundbreaking ceremony next month on the facilities to be built to produce the KC-45A tanker.

The companies plan to hold the ceremony Saturday, June 28... nine days after the GAO is expected to rule whether the Air Force's original February 29 decision to award the KC-X bid to Northrop/EADS will stand.

"We anticipate a favorable decision and look forward to starting construction on this historic facility," said Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and CEO. "We're committed to transforming Mobile into the centerpiece of an expanding aerospace corridor. This event underscores the fact that we are ready to get to work now."

"We are excited that Brookley Field will once again be a hub of American military aircraft manufacturing," said Rep. Jo Bonner of Alabama's 1st Congressional District. "There is no doubt that Mobile is poised to be the crown jewel of a rapidly growing aerospace center of excellence in the Southeastern United States, bringing thousands of jobs and creating endless opportunities for our entire region."

Under terms of the KC-X contract award, EADS North America will deliver the KC-45 aircraft platform to Northrop Grumman. Airbus, an EADS company, is responsible for manufacturing at its Mobile final assembly facility and will assemble, test and certify the aircraft before delivery. Following delivery to Northrop Grumman, the aircraft will receive the necessary military modifications to turn the commercial airframe into a US Air Force KC-45 Tanker.

In keeping with US Department of Defense requirements, only Northrop Grumman and US government employees with appropriate security clearances will militarize the tanker aircraft.

"EADS North America is fully committed to providing Northrop Grumman with an aircraft built in the US," said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., EADS North America chairman and chief executive officer. "More importantly, our men and women in uniform require and deserve the most capable system available. They have been waiting far too long for a modern tanker. Our entire team is ready to get to work now."

The groundbreaking ceremony occurs just a few days after the 60th anniversary of the start of the Berlin Airlift. This is significant because Brookley Field was the base from which C-54 transport aircraft supported the airlift.

FMI: www.northropgrumman.com, www.eads.com