The Guvnor
9th Sep 2001, 14:57
From today's Sunday Times:
Boeing woos Britain with factory
pledge
David Parsley
BOEING, the giant American aircraft maker, has promised the British government that it will build a plant in Britain in an effort to clinch the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) contract.
The group is also considering construction of a second plant in Europe that could create up to 10,000 jobs if it receives enough orders for its new, "near the speed of sound" sonic cruiser. Britain is also a favourite to host that plant. The decision on whether the British government goes ahead with JSF orders is expected within about seven weeks.
But Boeing's promise of a British factory is likely to encourage Geoff Hoon, the defence secretary, to select the American giant.
Boeing recently successfully completed testing of its JSF aircraft. The rival for the huge $200 billion contract is Lockheed Martin. Lockheed will produce 3,000 fighters for the US Navy, US Air Force and Marines as well as the Royal Navy. Its vertical take-off aircraft will replace a range of ageing fighters that includes the famous Harrier jump-jet, which proved its mettle during the Falklands war.
If Boeing wins the contract it is likely to build a plant near the BAE Systems Warton plant in Lancashire. Boeing would make those aircraft ordered for the Royal Navy through BAE. This would not only secure existing jobs but create about 3,000 more.
Germany is also considering orders for the JSF, which would be a further boost to the chances of a British plant.
Boeing's presence in Europe would come as a blow to EADS, by far its biggest rival in the development of both commercial and military aircraft.
The Airbus A380 superjumbo will compete with Boeing's sonic cruiser. Virgin, Air France and Lufthansa have all expressed an interest in the sonic cruiser.
If the interest of these airlines is proved positive, then plans for Boeing to build a second production plant will become far more of a reality.
Boeing woos Britain with factory
pledge
David Parsley
BOEING, the giant American aircraft maker, has promised the British government that it will build a plant in Britain in an effort to clinch the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) contract.
The group is also considering construction of a second plant in Europe that could create up to 10,000 jobs if it receives enough orders for its new, "near the speed of sound" sonic cruiser. Britain is also a favourite to host that plant. The decision on whether the British government goes ahead with JSF orders is expected within about seven weeks.
But Boeing's promise of a British factory is likely to encourage Geoff Hoon, the defence secretary, to select the American giant.
Boeing recently successfully completed testing of its JSF aircraft. The rival for the huge $200 billion contract is Lockheed Martin. Lockheed will produce 3,000 fighters for the US Navy, US Air Force and Marines as well as the Royal Navy. Its vertical take-off aircraft will replace a range of ageing fighters that includes the famous Harrier jump-jet, which proved its mettle during the Falklands war.
If Boeing wins the contract it is likely to build a plant near the BAE Systems Warton plant in Lancashire. Boeing would make those aircraft ordered for the Royal Navy through BAE. This would not only secure existing jobs but create about 3,000 more.
Germany is also considering orders for the JSF, which would be a further boost to the chances of a British plant.
Boeing's presence in Europe would come as a blow to EADS, by far its biggest rival in the development of both commercial and military aircraft.
The Airbus A380 superjumbo will compete with Boeing's sonic cruiser. Virgin, Air France and Lufthansa have all expressed an interest in the sonic cruiser.
If the interest of these airlines is proved positive, then plans for Boeing to build a second production plant will become far more of a reality.