The US Air Force is reported to be close to lifting the ban on Boeing receiving new satellite launch contracts, imposed in July 2003 because of ethics violations, allowing the company to compete with Lockheed Martin for $3 billion in business planned to be awarded this year under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle programme. Acting USAF secretary Peter Teets told Congress last week that Boeing has taken strong corrective action and the air force is ready in the near term to lift the suspension.
Source: Flight International