Boeing to pitch 777 for tanker

Boeing will offer a 777 as well as a 767 in the competition against the Northrop Grumman/EADS team to provide aerial tankers for the Air Force. Jim Albaugh, Boeing’s defense chief, made the comment in a briefing at the Paris Air Show. The larger aircraft would offer maximum fuel capacity and the 767’s selling point is its flexibility, he said. (Source: Bloomberg, 06/15/09) Gulf Coast note: Northrop Grumman and partner EADS plan to build the tanker in Mobile, Ala., if they win the competition.