Beags,
What are the chances of Airbus "match[ing] Boeing's tanker expertise - not least its established aerial refuelling system, which enables jets to fly side-by-side with the tanker while filling up"?
Jets flying side-by-side with the tanker while filling up? Imagine that!
Any idea who that particular 'Defence expert' was? Coz I reckon I could become an expert too if that's the standard one has to attain....