Aviation turbulence.

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In last week's Comment, Charles Crumpley wrote that he didn't understand lawmakers' opposition to Northrop Grumman building Air Force aerial tankers with EADS of Europe, with some calling for congressional hearings. So the Business Journal asks:

Are you concerned that the Air Force's refueling plane will be built by a partnership of Northrop Grumman and a European consortium?

Stephanie Yanchinski

Executive Director

Entretec

Over the years, I've been approached by younger defense companies expressing concerns of being treated unfairly by the federal government. If they have sensitive technologies, they can be prohibited from partnering with international companies to develop that product because they' re receiving federal money and are expected to create jobs to benefit the domestic economy. Now, the federal government is awarding a major contract to an international company. The rules don't seem to be consistent.

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Dan Harary

Chief Executive

Asbury Communications PR

When you have a heavyweight gig like this, it should go to the best people for the job, as long as the U.S. is not at war with the countries where the contractors are based, or have any political, economic or human rights conflicts.

Gary Johnson

Vice President

ACE Clearwater Enterprises

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Our understanding of the decision by the U.S. Air Force to go with the Northrop-EADS proposal is that it is a better platform for growth. While we wish Boeing had won the contract, we remain concerned that a protectionist environment does not foster fair competition or best value for the end user. Based on our understanding of this controversial decision, we think the correct choice was made in the interest of the current and future requirements for the USAF.

Ross Sklar

Chief Executive

SEI Chemical

If business is going to companies that are not domestically controlled, it should require an extraordinary screening process. But as the world gets smaller, these global contracts will keep going international because there are only a couple of companies big enough to come through on contracts like this.

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