A330 made in America?

[262crew]

This letter is in regards to the pentagons shocking and disheartening decision to provide the Europeans with more value to their Euro. I am an employee of the Boeing company and a voter, I work directly on the 767,I have been with Boeing since August of 2007 but that is not the extent of my experience in aviation, in fact I have been in aviation since 1996 and have maintained many types of large and small aircraft. I am in total shock and disbelief that made in America was lost on the decision makers in Washington D.C. The aircraft that our United states Air force wants to buy WILL NOT BE made in America no matter what is said. The A330 is built in France and will be flown to the U.S. so small modifications can be made including some systems installation. I would like to know why we are throwing money away, we are giving money to a company in Europe that is subsidised by several European governments. Do you really think that Airbus is going to care as much as Boeing empolyees about the honorable American men and women that have to fly and maintain these aircraft? Who has more of a stake in the well being of our United states military the ones charged with defending our great country, Airbus or Boeing?

[PinecastleAAF]

My guess is this is the fallout from the Pentagon scandal Boeing pleaded guilty to in regards the the tanker contract several years ago where the Pentagon procurement officer ( I forget her name) spent time in jail.

[262crew]

The tanker deal collapsed in 2004 when it was learned that the Air Force's second-ranking acquisition official, Darleen Druyun, had negotiated an executive-level job with Boeing Chief Financial Officer Michael Sears during the tanker contract talks. Both were fired and landed in prison.

[bdk]

Actually, Boeing won the contract with a novel proposal to LEASE aircraft to the government (just as many airlines lease aircraft). John McCain killed that because it was more expensive than the USAF buying the aircraft that they didn't have the money for anyhow. Then Boeing won the contract to SELL the USAF tankers. It was the Darleen Druyen/Mike Sears ethics issue that killed the second contract win.

[262crew]

I wuold have been happy if Northrop Grumman did it with out the help of Airbus.

[RMAllnutt]

The Airbus aircraft are not actually "made" in France. The final assembly line is there, like Boeing's is in Everett, but the aircraft are constructed from assemblies built all over the world.

A large dollar value of parts are actually made in the USA on all Airbus aircraft. Boeing builds its aircraft the same way, however, a good chunk of the components are built in places like Taiwan. Which of these two aircraft actually has more American parts in it? I am not certain in this particular case. However, I do know that the Boeing 787 has less than 50% by dollar value made in the USA, whereas the A-380 has something like 51% by dollar value made in the USA. Strange, but true.

I feel for Boeing employees, but the A-330 choice was always a more likely one because it offered a more versatile product. It is able to carry large amounts of cargo, as well as fuel over greater distances. The aircraft offered by Boeing was just a refueler without the duel use capability. Taking the emotional component out of the choice, it just made more sense to go with the more versatile aircraft. It's still a sad day for Boeing though.

Richard

[Mike Bates]

This is just for 179 a/c there will be more to come, Boeing will get another chance. I'm sure they use a different airframe next time.

Mike

[Oscar Duck]

Why didn't Boeing offer a better aircraft? Let's face it the B767 is now old stuff..so for the USAF to be looking 20-30 years ahead starting with such an old design is not necessarily smart.

The Airbus is a true multi role tanker/transport which is a must these days for expedionary forces.

My guess is that we could see a Boeing product [not 767 based] have a good shot at the next round of orders. The 787 etc will be in full swing then..

[bdk]

Well, when the first contract was let the 767 was still current. The delaying tactics used by Northrobus finally paid off. Boeing needs to get the 787 in airline service before they worry about a next generation tanker.

I think Boeing will still do OK despite this loss. Right now BCAS has it's hands full with 747-8 and 787. I guess we'll have to wait for the BWB tanker.

[262crew]

I understand quite well how the whole aircraft assembly process goes yes assemblies come from all over the world supporting many international companies however it is the FINAL assembly location that counts for the American economy and if you follow how the U.S. economy and dollar is doing you should be able to quickly understand how this will impact the quality of many American lives! Someone made a great point about aircraft support and how the manufacture can pull it at any time leaving the operator not so high and definitely dry. As far as load capacity and range ask UPS, DHL, LAN, ANA, Asiana, Ansett, JAL, KLM how they like their 767's. Never mind its only 179 A/C. Oscar may I remind you that Airbus uses the same materials and basically the same techniques to build all metal aircraft as Boeing which is "old stuff"

BDK VIVA LA BWB

[JDK]

As far as load capacity and range ask...Ansett...

How? Using a Ouija board?

I feel for you, but again, an obvious bias and obviously inaccurate data (as above) plus a shedload of the Not Invented Here syndrome means I'm consumed with apath...

[262crew]

Bias, for sure why wouldn't I be? As I stated before if it had been Northrop Grumman without Airbus I would feel better because the final assembly would have been here in the states. How am I wrong for being biased? I am extremely proud of my country and all that it is as I am sure you are proud of your beautiful country. What "shedload of not invented here syndrome am I displaying? It has nothing to do with invention my concerns with this tanker deal are about my life my country my air force not who invented what or when. Ouija board whats that all about? And what incorrect information, if I am wrong about anything please correct me.

[Mike]

Ouija board whats that all about? And what incorrect information, if I am wrong about anything please correct me.

If you want to ask Ansett anything, it 'died' 6 years ago, so a ouija board would probably be quite useful.

JDK -

And as for final assembly being your criterium for assisting the US economy, your argument falls flat on its face right there as the KC-45As will be assembled in Mobile, Alabama.

I'm sure the A330 will make a fine platform for the USAF's requirement, and after they've been in service for a few years I'll bet the crews won't even notice the garlic smell any longer.

[The Inspector]

I'll bet you a trip to HARDEES that those AIRBUS tankers that are going to be 'assembled' in Alabama all fly in from Tulouse, and then the question becaomes 'how do we assemble something thats already built?" Don't think for 7/8 of a second that AIRBUS (let alone the French union members building the things)are going to let someone else take away assembly of their airframe, and I don't picture large crates stencilled 'product of France' showing up at.....just where is the nearest deep sea port close to the 'final assembly factory'? you're the one who needs a ouija board.
I to am very proud of my country and fail to understand how something that is well in the past and paid for can still be top of your mind as the reason why the decision deal went as it did. Do you still refuse to drive a FORD because they once, long ago built EDSELS? Did you stop driving DODGES when Chrysler shelved the PLYMOUTH? or, are you just like most 'ditto heads' who get one thing stuck in their minds and can't shake it. I prefer to consider the point and move on with my life.
The deal is quite probably done and you, me, and everyone else will suffer the consequences for many, many years

[PinecastleAAF]

Do you still refuse to drive a FORD because they once, long ago built EDSELS?

I refuse to drive a Ford because they catch on fire in the driveway without the motor running.

Probably the deal had nothing to do with Drunyun I hope and more to do with buying our guys and gals in uniform the best product.

However given the track record of the leadership at the Pentagon in recent years how they made this decision is anybody's guess.

.

Last edited by PinecastleAAF on Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.