WTO ruling won't play role in tanker RFP

WASHINGTON – The Air Force sees no need to add language about the World Trade Organization ruling over subsidies to the request for proposal in the multibillion-dollar tanker project. In a case brought by the U.S., the WTO ruled subsidies from European governments to EADS’ Airbus were illegal, andBoeing supporters want that considered when awarding the tanker project. Reuters reports that Air Force Secretary Michael Donley called the WTO ruling preliminary, and noted that another case brought by the European Union is pending. Boeing and the EADS/Northrop Grumman team are competing to build tankers. (Source: Reuters, 09/14/09) Gulf Coast note: EADS wants to assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala.