Tanker win could move Brookley business

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Less than 24 hours, we should know the winner of the multi-billion dollar Air Force refueling tanker contract. If EADS wins the deal, the planes will be assembled at Brookley Field.

The Alabama Aviation Center is located at Brookley Field. It's a school that trains people how to repair and maintain aircraft.

Director Larry Zimmer said he hopes EADS will get the contract to benefit not only the Gulf Coast, but also the school.

If EADS wins the deal, the planes will be assembled at Brookley Field.

"We've been waiting and waiting and waiting, and now the time is upon us. I don't think people know how to react to it," said director Larrie Zimmer.

It was February 2008 when EADS, and then partner Northrop Grumman, initially won the deal against Seattle-based Boeing.

But complaints about the bidding process forced everything to start from scratch.

It's three years later now, and Zimmer is wondering whether there will be another celebration party.

"I want the tanker here like everyone else in Mobile does," said Zimmer.

The Pentagon now holds the final answer.

ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE BITTERSWEET

Bruce Ringer manages Tarrant Hydraulic Service at Brookley Field.

Like most, he has high expectations for the tanker contract, if EADS wins it.

"It will be real good for this area," said Ringer. "But at the same time, there is always a downside and we will have to work through it."

When EADS won the initial competition three years ago, Ringer's lease went up.

"We kinda figured that would happen. But then when things did not come through as everyone thought, they were changed back to an earlier rate," added Ringer.

The Pentagon is expected to announce the winner of the contract Thursday.

Ringer says if EADS gets the deal, he expects the same thing to happen with his lease.

"If it is a very significant increase, we are definitely going to be looking for another facility," explained Ringer.

Ringer said he may have to take the good with the bad.

"But that comes with change," said Ringer.

Ringer would not tell us how much his lease was raised when EADS and its former partner Northrop Grumman initially won the contract, but he said it was enough to consider relocating.