Boeing says seriously weighing tanker protest

By Jim Wolf

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

Company executives said they had "significant concerns" about the contract decision after an Air Force briefing on the victory by a team made up of Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research).

These concerns include "evaluation of the bids and the ultimate decision," said Mark McGraw, program manager for Boeing's tanker, based on the company's 767 commercial airliner.

"What is clear now is that reports claiming that the Airbus offering won by a wide margin could not be more inaccurate," he added in a statement.

Chicago-based Boeing said it would take the next few days to evaluate the data presented by the Air Force and will give "serious consideration to filing a protest."

A week ago the Air Force announced the winner in the $35 billion program to supply 179 tankers over 15 years.

Tankers are used to extend warplanes' range by refueling them in mid-air.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne told a congressional panel on Wednesday that the Northrop-EADS tanker was "clearly a better performer."