Ten years of EADS also means a decade of experience in the tanker sector, says Airbus chief executive Tom Enders.
The German air force contracted Airbus to convert four of its A310 transports by adding under-wing hose-and-drogue refuelling pods in 2000. The fleet is now close to achieving initial operational capability.
To mark the anniversary, Enders and Airbus Military chief executive Domingo Ureña presented a commemorative plaque to Gen Manfred Lange, air force deputy commander. Enders says: "Ten years ago we didn't know how to spell tanker. We have won every competition since."
EADS North America will submit its response to the US Air Force's KC-X request for proposals with its A330-200-based KC-45 multirole tanker transport by 9 July, facing Boeing's 767 NewGen Tanker. "We know we have the better aircraft, and the USAF knows we have the better aircraft," Enders says.