EADS e Boeing comentam novo prazo do KC-X

EADS e Boeing fazem comunicado oficial relativo a extensão do prazo de entrega da proposta para o programa KC-X. São posições antagônicas que refletem o grande lobby por trás do projeto e de seus dois grandes concorrentes. Este deverá ser um dos mais polêmicos e emblemáticos programas de modernização da USAF, podendo mostrar os novos rumos da política e mesmo da economia americana.

Abaixo os comunicados [na integra e em inglês]

EADS Statement Regarding KC-X Proposal Deadline Extension

(Arlington, VA., March 31, 2010) -- EADS North America has issued the following statement regarding the Defense Department's offer to extend by 60 days the proposal deadline for the Air Force KC-X aerial refueling tanker competition:

"Since the Department of Defense indicated their interest in EADS' participation as prime contractor in the KC-X tanker competition, the company has carefully assessed the many requirements necessary to participate. We have firmly indicated that a 90-day extension would be the minimum time necessary to prepare a responsible proposal for this $40 billion program. We will consider the Department's decision to offer a 60-day extension."
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)

Boeing Statement Regarding KC-X Proposal Deadline Extension

(St. Louis, April 1, 2010) -- The U.S. Department of Defense on March 31 said it will extend the deadline to receive proposals in the U.S. Air Force KC-X Tanker competition from May 10 to July 9 if European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) makes a formal request for an extension. The Boeing Company today responded with the following statement:

"We are deeply disappointed with EADS-Airbus efforts to further delay this vital warfighting program and tilt the U.S. procurement process in its favor. EADS-Airbus has been fully engaged in the competition for four years and was always expected to provide the vast majority of its team's work content.

"We welcome the denial of EADS's repeated requests to alter U.S. warfighting requirements, and we support the Air Force's stated intent to provide a level playing field for qualified competitors. We do not see a legitimate reason for EADS's bid deadline extension request, and we believe an extension that favors any individual competitor does not further the goal of ensuring fair competition.

"Boeing remains fully prepared to submit a competitive proposal by the May 10 deadline originally set by the Air Force. However, this latest development, along with the World Trade Organization's recent final ruling that Airbus has been heavily and illegally subsidized for decades, requires Boeing to review all of our options for going forward while we wait for a final determination on a deadline extension."
The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA)