Raytheon ups network centric capability
Acquisition Raytheon has acquired Virtual Technology, a developer of joint, net-enabled command and control and modelling and simulation solutions, for an undisclosed sum. The US-based company employs around 125 people and will boost Raytheon’s position in net-centric operations and mission system integration, says Colin Schottlaender, president of the company’s network centric systems division.
EADS postpones decision on Sogerma
Restructuring EADS has extended negotiations with trade unions to decide on the future of troubled subsidiary Sogerma Services’ Bordeaux-Merignac facility. The company is considering “different buyer options” and hopes to announce a decision by 14 July. A meeting between company representatives, staff and trade unions was due early this week.
UK industry posts record new orders
Survey The UK aerospace industry has experienced a “phenomenal” year, says the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC). The SBAC’s latest annual aerospace survey shows that productivity has increased by 15% – well above the 5% long-term trend – with record numbers of new orders totalling £30.7 billion ($55.8 billion), up 33% from last year. Investments in research and development rose by 31% to £2.7 million (see graph). Turnover in the UK aerospace industry rose by 25% to £22.7 billion, with defence aerospace sales up 30% to £12.2 billion, civil sales up 18% to £10.5 billion, and space sales up 38% to £603 million.
Reliance boosts MRO capacity
Maintenance Navhouse, the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) group created by Reliance Aerotech, is buying MRO business Navhouse Global Avionics from Northstar Aerospace (Canada). Glynn Williams, president and chief executive of aircraft repair specialist Reliance Aerotech, says Navhouse Global Avionics is an “excellent fit” with Reliance. Navhouse will provide specialised MRO services with electromechanical technicians. In turn, Navhouse anticipates drawing upon Reliance’s “experience in the USA and in the avionics area”.
ATC Lasham seeks more 767 maintenance
Expansion UK-based maintenance specialist ATC Lasham is seeking to increase its Boeing 767 maintenance work. Chief executive Nicolas Cook says: “We are in discussions with two or three major European airlines that have 767s – that’s the market we want to get into.” But he adds: “The 767 is the largest type we would want to go to – we don’t want to go to widebodies.” The desire to increase 767 business was one of the company’s primary reasons for establishing a presence at the St Athan site in south Wales, Cook adds.
Spirit AeroSystems targets IPO
Offering Spirit AeroSystems is planning to launch an initial public offering (IPO) of up to $500 million in common stock. The company, which was formed after the purchase of Boeing Wichita by Canadian investment Onex, has filed a registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. It has not disclosed the number of shares to be listed on the New York stock exchange. Spirit says it will use the net proceeds to repay debt, and to pay an undisclosed portion of the obligations that become due under its employee share option scheme.
Source: Flight International
