The Pentagon needs to know if EADS is serious about bidding on an aerial refueling contract before granting an extension of the deadline for bids, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said today, according to a report by Reuters.
If it is, then a “modest” extension would probably help ensure the tankers could be competitively procured, he said.
The Pentagon was in discussions with EADS about its request for a 90-day extension that would allow it to prepare a bid after its partner, Northrop Grumman, pulled out of the competition, the report said.
The president of the National Air Transportation Association, Jim Coyne, is the keynote speaker at today’s Wichita Aero Club luncheon.
NATA, founded in 1940, represents the legislative, regulatory and business interests of general aviation service companies. Companies include fixed base operators, charter providers, aircraft management companies, maintenance and repair organizations, flight training and airline service companies.
Coyne, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, was named president of the group in 1994.
The luncheon begins at noon at the Wichita Airport Hilton.
