Antonov to face Boeing and Airbus in $35 bln-tender to supply tanker planes to US air force

The deadline for application expired July 9. In all, 179 tanker planes costing US$35 bln will be purchased by Americans. Major contestants include the US Boeing and Europe’s EADS, the manufacturer of Airbus planes.

In a surprise move to many observers, the two giants will have the company of Ukraine’s Antonov Aviation which signed a back-up agreement with the Aerospace company, USA, to take part jointly in the tender.

Americans and Europeans have been vying for the lucrative contract for many years. Originally, the tender was won by Boeing. However, due to the scandal about the tender terms, its results were revoked. Next, Airbus was declared winner. Given loud Boeing’s protests, the tender will be held for a third time.

Antonov’s bid gives the tender an intriguing dimension. Ukraine offers three types of planes, including the AN-124 model. Antonov’s main aces include wide expertise in transport aviation and the lowest cost.

German experts, however, are skeptical about Ukraine’s chances – even enhanced by Aerospace. They point to the fact that Aerospace is a small company, reporting US$15 mln in losses for 2009 and a miserable US$3.7 mln turnover.