02.24.12

Cantwell on Tanker Anniversary: ‘A Great Success Story for American Manufacturing’

Senator celebrates one-year anniversary of tanker win, expected to support 11,000 Washington jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, released the following statement on the one year anniversary of Boeing winning the contract to build the Air Force’s new fleet of aerial refueling tankers. The contract is projected to support 11,000 jobs in Washington while generating more than $693 million annually for the state’s economy.

“Today marks the anniversary of an important victory for Washington state’s aviation industry. One year ago today, we joined Boeing in celebrating the Air Force’s decision to award the company a $35 billion contract. With this victory, Boeing and its workers secured their role in building the next generation of America’s air refueling tankers.

“Boeing’s tanker victory is a great success story for American manufacturing. Last year, American sweat equity beat out massive illegal subsidies to keep aerospace jobs in the Pacific Northwest. As President Obama saw first-hand last week, our aviation workforce proves that even in a competitive global market America can create and maintain quality jobs. Congratulations to Boeing and the aerospace work force for continuing to make Washington state proud.”

###