Chief Executive Louis Gallois revealed that Airbus parent EADS is still looking for a partner to support its bid for a deal worth up to $50 billion to sell refueling planes to the United States.

EADS North America announced its intention to challenge Boeing for the contract after failing to find a partner. Gallois said, "It is indispensable to have a partner".

Gallois shared that though price would be a "decisive element" in the race, but EADS failed to share Northrop's "too pessimistic" view. Gallois added that he was disturbed about the level of the dollar, which was still "weak" at 1.35 to the Euro. Whether, the rumor that the Chief Executive of media group Lagardere, Arnaud Lagardere has lost interest in EADS, is dismissed by Gallois.

Gallois said, "It is not up to me to discuss his strategy as a shareholder, but it is certainly not true that he is disinterested in EADS... and he takes an active role in board discussions".

Lagardere shared that he would take all the time needed before carrying out his confirmed intent of selling out of EADS.