Boeing asks for immediate debriefing after $35B contract goes to rival

WASHINGTON -- Boeing Co. has asked the Air Force for an immediate debriefing on why a $35 billion aerial refueling tanker contract was awarded to its rival, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., and partner Northrop Grumman Corp.

Chicago-based Boeing, which has been supplying air-to-air refueling tankers to the Air Force for nearly 50 years, had been widely expected to win the deal.

The company said the Air Force has told it a debriefing would occur on March 12.

The contract to build up to 179 tankers is the first of three Air Force awards worth as much $100 billion to replace its entire refueling tanker fleet over the next 30 years.

An Air Force spokeswoman said she did not know whether the timing of the debriefing has changed.