Boeing claims that nothing compares to their product Boeing claims that nothing compares to their product that comes close to its ankle
(Ottawa) Boeing is not going anywhere: if Ottawa is leaning towards it to replace its old military surveillance planes, it is because nothing comes close to it – not even Bombardier, which is asking for a chance to get this multi-billion dollar contract.
The reasoning of the American giant can be summarized as follows: we compare apples with oranges. His Poseidon P-8A has been crisscrossing the skies for a decade, is favoured by the "Five Eyes" – an intelligence alliance of which Canada is a part – and has a Canadian twist. On the other hand, Bombardier's proposal is still in its infancy.
"I don't see this [Bombardier's project] as a rival," Boeing Defense CEO Ted Colbert said in an interview Tuesday in Ottawa. "I don't even consider him in the same category. There's a reason the Five Eyes chose the P-8A. »
On the eve of the annual meeting of the defense sector in Ottawa – the CANSEC show – Boeing did things big Tuesday to tout its Poseidon and the benefits it generates across Canada. The event was not intended as a response to Bombardier's recent releases, says the American aircraft manufacturer, even if its course could leave this impression.
Boeing put all the gum on. On the tarmac of the Ottawa airport, near where the military show is held, a P-8A was highlighted. La Presse was able to access the device. In addition, Canadian suppliers of the aircraft had traveled to the federal capital to tout the fruits of their collaboration with the multinational. Even the U.S. Ambassador to Canada,David Cohen, was there. Bombardier's name was not mentioned during the presentation, but that did not stop Mr. Colbert from shooting a few arrows at his competitor.
"We have the most affordable option for Canada because it's an aircraft that's already available and not something that's in development," he said. It is a machine that is already efficient. »Political dossier
The replacement of the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) aging 14 CP-140 Auroras, a contract with a total value of up to $9 billion, has become a political issue. The Ministry of Defence is not keen on the idea of buying Bombardier's aircraft. Boeing's Poseidon P-8A – an aircraft similar to the 737 family of aircraft that can launch torpedoes – was identified as the only aircraft that could meet Canadian requirements.Bombardier, which is looking to increase its exposure to the military sector, is asking for a chance to promote its project. The Quebec aircraft manufacturer urges the Trudeau government to launch a call for tenders, which would allow it to propose a version of the Global 6500 business jet
capable of performing the same task as the CP-140s, which is to launch torpedoes. The Quebec company recently partnered with defense giant General Dynamics to encourage the Trudeau government to change its tune. This tandem should also offer more details on its intentions, this Wednesday, at CANSEC.
For Boeing, the decision to put out a tender rests with the Trudeau government.
"It's not my decision," says Mr. Colbert, when asked about this question. But if that's the case, I'm convinced we'd win. »Bombardier's response was not long in coming. The company believes its rival is desperately looking for new orders because its U.S.-based P-8A assembly line could run out of work after 2025.
"The Canadian population deserves a better solution than a fire sale to liquidate the latest models," said the Quebec aircraft manufacturer, in a statement. Our government has been led to believe that it is urgent to buy now. »Canadian content
Citing the results of a study commissioned from Doyletech Corporation, Boeing estimates that it can help secure more than 3,000 jobs a year if it wins the contract to replace the CP-140. Suppliers include well-established companies such as CAE, GE Aviation and the conglomerate that owns engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada.For example, at GE Aviation's plant in Bromont, compressors are manufactured in the engines under the wings of the P-8A. The company also counts Bombardier among its customers. Daniel Verreault, director of the military systems branch in Canada, is aware of the political aspect of the issue.
It's always emotional, military sales, he said in an interview. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. The Canadian government determined that the P-8A was the only aircraft that met the RCAF's criteria. That is why I am here. »
According to Boeing, the equivalent of 11 million parts made in Canada are in a Poseidon.