Florida Lobby Celebrates Embraer Contract

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A report from Florida suggests Hawker Beechcraft was out-politicked in its failed bid for a $1 billion contract to supply the Air Force with light attack aircraft. Sunshineslate.com says an aggressive effort by Florida Gov. Rick Scott along with other state, federal and municipal leaders resulted in the selection of Embraer’s Super Tucano over Hawker Beech’s Texan II. Embraer will assemble the Super Tucanos in Jacksonville, creating about 50 jobs. Meanwhile, Hawker Beechcraft has attracted some after-the-fact attention from a Kansas congressman who wants the Air Force to explain the decision.

Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., says he’s “deeply disappointed” by the deal. “Several weeks ago, Hawker Beechcraft — the only American competitor — was eliminated from this important competition without explanation,” Pompeo said in a statement. “Since then the Air Force has been secretive and evasive, leaving countless questions unanswered.” Hawker Beech is taking the federal government to court over the contract.

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