Historical report, published from archived WKRG coverage.
Days before the Air Force’s 2008 tanker decision, Mobile leaders were weighing the possibility that the contract could be divided between the Northrop Grumman/EADS team and Boeing, according to an archived WKRG report.
EADS and Northrop Grumman planned to build aircraft at Brookley Field in Mobile, while Boeing would build its planes in Washington state. Alabama Development Office Director Neal Wade said a split purchase had been discussed at an international air show, though he had also heard either company could win outright.
Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine said splitting the work might make political sense and could avoid a formal protest by the losing bidder. He noted that even a partial contract would still require facilities in Mobile. The report said EADS had also announced plans to build commercial freight aircraft in Mobile if the city won the tanker contract.
This is a historical account of options being discussed before the decision, not a report on the eventual outcome.