One of the two leading contenders in the tanker replacement game—the Northrop Grumman-EADS team—would like the Air Force to reconsider requiring companies to list what government subsidies they receive when it reviews proposals for a new tanker, according to Reuters news service. However, the fact that the Air Force requested the information pleased many US lawmakers, who feel EADS has an unfair advantage over its US competitor Boeing since EADS receives subsidies from European governments.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe recently pledged “a plus-up in manpower” for the maintainer ranks, as the service prepares to launch a major overhaul of its maintenance career field next year.