EADS, Boeing submit final tanker proposals

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Once again the Gulf Coast is waiting for word on who will land the $40 billion contract to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers.

In 2008 the Pentagon chose Northrop Grumman and its partner EADS to assemble the war birds in Mobile.

All looked good to go in February 2008. But shortly after the announcement, Boeing filed a protest and the Government Accountability Office agreed.

The GAO said there were flaws in the selection process.

The Pentagon then ordered a limited rebidding process. The New Year passed without a deal.

In March 2010 Northrop Grumman pulled out of the race.

That same month, EADS announced it would go at it alone.

"We're creating new jobs. We're making long term investments in our economy and in the aerospace infrastructure of the United States. As you know, we will build in Mobile, Alabama this aircraft," said Ralph Crosby, Chairman of EADS North America.

Now here we are nearly a year later and still no deal.

But there is hope EADS will win the contract and bring as many as 1,500 new jobs to our area. And put Mobile on the map when it comes to the aerospace industry.

A decision is expected early March.

To learn more about the KC-45 and the 48,000 American jobs it will create or support, visit www.kc-45now.com .