Conn. officials hail air tanker contract award

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut officials are praising the decision by the U.S. Air force to award a $35 billion contract to build giant airborne refueling tankers to Boeing Co., a move that will benefit East Hartford-based jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy called the contract "particularly meaningful" because it will help move the state toward rebuilding its economy and stabilizing the business environment. He says it's also good news for the state's manufacturing sector, which has been hit hard by the recession.

The Hartford Courant reports that Pratt & Whitney workers would assemble about 400 engines would be assembled in Middletown for the 179 air refueling tankers.

A European firm was expected to win the contract. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal praised the Air force for "prioritizing American jobs and American manufacturing."