His resignation was forced over the fallout from the freezing of a tanker contract with the United States Air Force.

Boeing and Airbus are also going head to head around the world, looking for military tanker contracts.

The company's refusal to 'dance with the girl who brung them' on the tanker contract is incomprehensible and I urge Boeing's senior leaders to reconsider this decision.

As a result of the scandal, the tanker contract was sidelined, hurting Boeing while opening the door to a possible bid from Boeing's main rival, Airbus.

To have a chance at the tanker contract, Airbus must overcome any "Buy America" sentiment in Congress.

In 2004, Boeing had almost won the tanker contract through an unusual leasing arrangement with the Air Force.

Now, two years later, the Air Force is taking up the tanker contract once gain.

The decision affected tanker contracts issued by both the USFS and BLM.

Reportedly, some Kansas politicians are angry with Boeing's reversal on promises to protect workers' jobs if they won the tanker contract.

The tanker contracts will keep the yard fully booked through 2012.