Will Boeing, Airbus fight over AF1?

The Air Force last week officially launched the search for a new widebody presidential jet when it issued a request for information. The competition could pit Boeing's 747 against the Airbus 380. Airbus told Flight International the company received the RFI and is "taking a look." Boeing, which has provided AF1 for more than 50 years, has said keeping the contract is a top priority. (Sources: Flight International, Wired, 01/09/09) The other high-profile Boeing/Airbus battle is over the Air Force tanker. The Northrop Grumman/EADS (Airbus) team won and planned to build them in Mobile, Ala. But Boeing's protest was upheld and the Pentagon cancelled the contest – opting to let the new administration decide where to go from here.