WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing Co (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday it would seriously consider challenging a U.S. Air Force decision to give a $35 billion aerial tanker program to a team that includes its European archrival Airbus.

After receiving an Air Force briefing on the victory of Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research), Boeing officials said they were left with "significant concerns about the process in several areas, including program requirements related to capabilities, cost and risk; evaluation of the bids and the ultimate decision."

Boeing added in a statement it would take the next few days to evaluate the data presented and will give "serious consideration to filing a protest."

(Reporting by Jim Wolf)