Tankers get about 10% of the utilization of airliners. Half life airliners will last as long as needed when converted to tankers. Sooner, cheaper, better, and they can be converted by MROs, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul companies anywhere in the world, cutting both Boeing and EADS out of $Multi-Billion profits.
EADS bet on the wrong horse in 2008, putting lobbyists to work on McCain's campaign staff. Justice is a bitch.
GB