@taildragger67
"The 767, whilst a great aircraft, is over 30-year-old technology (some bit probably older still). If the new tankers mimic the KC135, they'll be around for at least 40 - so that will mean a 70-plus-year-old programme."
You forgot to add the time Boeing needs to put this a/c into service. IF they'll receive the contract for the remaining 100+ tanker you'll probably need to add another 15 or 20 years.
The lack of competition will raise the costs in the end - that's a fact. Take a look at the A400M. Also NG/Airbus wanted to assemble the a/c in the US. A lot of new workers to be hired in the US. You may say: "Boeing will hire new staff" but Airbus also considered assembling civil aircraft in the future avoiding currency exchange rate changes which would need additional workforce.
Long story short: I am not really unhappy about their decision. This will keep the Airbus A330MRTT to be build in Europe as well as future civil aircraft.
