BBA FUELS GROWTH WITH $62.5M GE PURCHASE
UK support services firm BBA Aviation has acquired GE Aviation Systems' fuel measurement business in a $62.5 million cash deal. The GE legacy business specialises in manufacturing and overhauling fuel gauges and measurement systems for types including the Airbus A320 and A319 as well as the Boeing 777. BBA says it also intends to invest a further $7 million in working capital and fixed assets on top of the acquisition price. The business will become part of the BBA Aviation Ontic operation.
FRENCH CONTRACT BOOST FOR SABENA
MRO provider Sabena Technics has won a contract with French air force support organisation SIMMAD to manage the repairable component stock for the arm's fleet of 52 Transall C160 transports. The contract will see Sabena operate from a dedicated site at the French air force base in Evreux and manage more than 1,400 components. The contract will run until the aircraft are phased out in seven to nine years.
FLY WARNS OVER RISING FUEL COSTS
Fly Leasing sees an upturn in the aviation market in terms of financing and pricing, but warns oil prices remain an industry concern that could soften aircraft demand. "Although we remain confident we are in the early stages of a cyclical recovery that could typically last three or four years, we are concerned about sudden increases in oil prices that could certainly dampen demand and perhaps cause a slowdown in the market," says Steve Zissis, director of the board of Fly Leasing.
SAAB NETS UPKEEP DEAL ON SWEDISH GRIPENS
Saab has signed a SKr120 million ($19 million) agreement with Swedish defence material administration FMV for the upkeep of the 204 Gripen fighters delivered to the country's air force. The deal, which was an option initially proposed in December 2010, includes the provision of technical support, product maintenance, flight testing and simulators. Work will take place in the second quarter of 2011.
ETIHAD MAINTENANCE WIN FOR ENGINE ALLIANCE
Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways has signed a long-term maintenance deal with Engine Alliance for the GP7200 powerplants that will power its Airbus A380s. Etihad in June 2009 confirmed an order for 45 GP7200 engines to power the 10 A380s that are scheduled to enter the carrier's fleet from 2014. It has signed up for a long-term fleet management agreement with the Pratt & Whitney/General Electric joint venture.
ANGLO-SPANISH VENTURE TARGETS ATC CONTRACTS
Spanish company Ferrovial Servicios, which owns airports operator BAA, has formed a joint venture with UK air navigation service provider NATS. FerroNATS will bid for ATC contracts at 13 airports tendered by the Spanish state-run Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea agency.
SELEX GALILEO WINS IRIDIUM CONTRACT
Selex Galileo is to provide 250 star tracker attitude sensors for the Iridium Next satellite constellation. The Finmeccanica subsidiary will develop three star trackers for each of the 81 satellites included in Iridium's next-generation constellation. It will deliver a simplified version of its AA-STR sensor under the deal.
Source: Flight International
