Chicago Tribune:
Boeing seen as odds-on favorites for Air Force tanker contract
Boeing odds-on favorite over joint bid by rivals

By Julie Johnsson | TRIBUNE REPORTER
February 12, 2008

It's shaping up to be one of the largest military contracts of the next 25 years, and it's Boeing Co.'s to lose.

The Chicago-based aerospace giant is considered the heavy favorite to win a $40 billion contract to replace 179 Eisenhower-era tankers for the U.S. Air Force, a competition that pits it against a team led by Airbus parent European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. and Northrop Grumman Corp.

The Air Force could announce its selection as early as Feb. 22,, when a panel that signs off on major programs for the Defense Department is slated to review the bids and approve initial funding. Read more...