AERO VODOCHODY SOARS INTO PROFIT
RESULTS Czech aircraft maker Aero Vodochody turned a CKr236 million ($14.6 million) profit last year after several years of losses, including a 2006 deficit of CKr964 million. Sales in 2007 were up 47% to CKr4.3 billion, and president Peter Ondro expects profits to reach CKr400 million. Last year, Aero increased output of S-76C helicopter airframes, which it makes for Sikorsky, by 30% it also launched production of centre-sections for Alenia's C-27J Spartan and closed a contract with Latécoère to supply the French company with components for its Embraer 170 and 190 regional jets. This year, Aero will invest CKr150 million on machinery and technology, up from CKr100 million last year. Czech newspaper reports tip the firm to add work for Alenia on ATR 42 and 72 turboprops.
EADS PICKS FIRST-TIER SERVICES SUPPLIERS
RESTRUCTURING Airbus parent EADS has selected 28 as-yet unnamed first-tier engineering services providers as part of its Power8 programme drive to consolidate its supplier base, cut costs and increase its geographical spread. EADS has narrowed its pool of around 2,000 suppliers to a shortlist of 28, comprising four Indian and 24 Europe-based preferred and strategic suppliers. EADS's annual engineering services spend on research, modelling, flight physics and aircraft design is now €2 billion ($3.1 billion).
ZODIAC TO ACQUIRE CABIN SPECIALIST DRIESSEN
ACQUISITION French aerospace equipment specialist Zodiac has tentatively agreed to acquire Dutch-based cabin interiors firm Driessen Aerospace. Zodiac is one of the two shortlisted bidders for Airbus's German aircraft interiors plant at Laupheim. Driessen designs, manufactures and sells galley equipment crew rests, first-class interiors and cargo equipment. The firm employs 2,500 staff, with production sites in the Czech Republic, the UK, the USA and Thailand. Revenue in 2007 was �136 million ($213 million).
HITCO SIGNS SUPPLY DEAL WITH ALENIA FOR 787
COMPOSITES Hitco Carbon Composites, a subsidiary of Germany's SGL, has signed a long-term deal with Italy's Alenia Aeronautica to supply, beginning this quarter, horizontal stabiliser trailing edge and other composite components for the Boeing 787. Last year Hitco entered into a long-term 787 contract with Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries to supply composite floor beams.
BUYER SOUGHT FOR PZL-WROCLAW
PRIVATISATION Polish authorities have put up for sale the aircraft component and system manufacturer PZL-Wroclaw, requesting confirmation of interest by 6 June with an intention to sell the company by 10 July. PZL-Wroclaw, located in the western Polish city from which it derives its name, produces fuel and hydraulic subassemblies for a range of small civil and military aircraft and helicopters, among them the Antonov An-28 regional turboprop.
FIRST QUARTER RECORD FOR ISRAEL AEROSPACE
REVENUES Israel Aerospace Industries set a first quarter sales record as revenue soared 28% to $1.01 billion, including a 31% increase in civil business. Profits were down 9.1% to $40 million after a $13 million employee retirement provision. Order backlog at the end of March was $8 billion - up 11% year-on-year - and new orders for the quarter totalled $1.36 billion. However, continuing US dollar weakness is hurting IAI most of its revenue is in US dollars while over 50% of its expenditures are in shekels.
Source: Flight International
