Gov. Gregoire�s statement on announcement by Airbus to bid for the US Air Force tanker contract

For Immediate Release: April 20, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire issued the following statement regarding Airbus� announcement that it will bid for the Air Force tanker contract alone:

�I am disappointed that the process was delayed just to accommodate one bidder. Our troops need these refueling planes today and they�ve waited long enough. That said � I�m more than confident that Boeing will win this bid. In a fair and transparent competition, the nation will see that Boeing is the best company to provide our service men and women the best airplane to meet their needs. Boeing�s qualified and skilled workforce here in Washington state, and the manufacturing expertise throughout the country are ready to get the job done from day one.�

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