Aero Vodochody Assembles Latecoere Deal
The Czech Republic's biggest aircraft manufacturer, Aero Vodochody, has initiated production of subassemblies for Latécoère Toulouse of France. The components, including hinges and inner door structures, are for Embraer 170 and 190 models. The contract is worth approximately CKr1bn ($63.5 million).
Aero will be co-operating on the project with its subsidiary Technometra Radotín, which will supply machined parts. To date, Aero has supplied Latécoère with subassemblies for two door types, but in May expects to finish an Latécoère-specific assembly line and hopes to begin production for six types of doors and four types of hinges in February 2009.
Aero also works for Sikorsky (S-76 helicopters), Boeing (doors for F/A-18E/F/G), Spirit AeroSystems (parts for Boeing 767), EADS (subassemblies for Airbus A320/A340), Vought Aircraft Industries (Boeing 747) and Alenia Aeronautica (wing components for C-27J Spartan).
Butler Steers Learjet Autopilot From L-3
Butler National of Olathe, Kansas, a maker of support systems for "classic" aircraft, has bought the JET autopilot product line for classic Learjets from L-3 Communications Avionics Systems. Butler subsidiary Avcon Industries will continue the service and support of all customers operating the JET autopilot and related equipment in Learjets. "This acquisition allows us to implement our commitment to replace many obsolete electronic components in these systems," says chief executive Clark Stewart.
Ametek Snaps Up Leading Titanium Producer
Reading Alloys, a Pennsylvania-based, privately-owned producer of titanium alloys for aerospace and other markets, has been bought by power instruments maker Ametek. Ametek chief executive Frank Hermance says Reading Alloys' products are "experiencing outstanding growth driven by increasing demand for titanium in the commercial aerospace, military aerospace and power generation markets". Reading Alloys has sales of $80 million.
Vector Agrees Payment To Former Executives
Canadian military maintenance, repair and overhaul specialist Vector Aerospace has agreed to pay a total of C$6.3 million ($6.2 million) to settle a claim from two former senior executives dismissed four years ago. Paul Conway had been chief operating officer and Maxwell Parsons chief financial officer until they were ousted. Earlier this month, the Toronto-based company completed the acquisition of the Fleetlands rotary wing and Almondbank components businesses from the UK's Defence Aviation Repair Agency.
State Department To Clarify Export Rules
The US state department has moved to clarify rules for exporting US-made parts for civil airliners that also service sensitive roles for the US military. The Aerospace Industries Association has warned that - without clarification - civil aircraft manufacturers "risk being cut out of opportunities in the commercial marketplace".
Ottawa Thwarts Sale Of Space Business To USA
The Canadian government has blocked the C$1.33 billion sale of MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates' space division to Alliant Techsystems of the USA, with industry minister Jim Prentice saying Ottawa would not "accept a loss of jurisdictional control to another party or another country" and that the divestment was "not likely to be of net benefit to Canada".
Source: FlightGlobal.com
