Emma Kelly/LOS ANGELES
Aerospace business-to-business exchange Exostar is in "active discussions" with a fifth potential aerospace equity partner and hopes to close a deal in the "next 60 days". The unidentified company would join BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon as part-owner of the global aerospace/defence exchange, which went live last September.
Exostar has been seeking more equity since it was unveiled last April. As well as the four aerospace giants, technology provider Commerce One has a stake. Newly appointed president and chief executive Andy Plyler says a sixth founding partner will be enough.
Exostar had been keen to add EADS, having hoped to announce the European company as a partner at last year's Farnborough Air Show in return for a $20 million investment, Flight International understands. EADS withdrew, however, apparently to focus on its own integration. It is continuing to monitor aerospace exchanges, with a decision expected later this year on whether to join one or establish its own, including other European companies - a number of which are concerned about US dominance of aerospace e-business.
Another original target for Exostar, Northrop Grumman, has also shunned the major exchanges. "We considered getting involved from an ownership perspective in a number, but decided not to," says its e-business director Keith Glennan.
Exostar's platform for the procurement of indirect goods and services - those not used for aerospace products - is up and running, while the direct platform is due to be operational in the next 60 days. "A few hundred suppliers" are involved, but only the four founders are trading. The next step is to target operators, concedes Plyler, speaking at the First Conference's 'Eye For Aerospace' symposium in Los Angeles.
Newly merged exchanges AirNewco (airline-led with a $45 billion annual purchasing spend) and MyAircraft (comprising United Technologies, Honeywell and BFGoodrich) will launch services in April or May, with a name and branding to be revealed this month, says Pat Wildenburg, vice-president of e-business at Delta Air Lines and co-chair of the venture's steering committee.
Meanwhile, another Exostar rival, Aeropsan.com is adding customers and developing functionality to its marketplace, which went live last year. It has 90-plus customers - 50 suppliers and the rest airlines - says CEO Duncan Alexander, with around 50 of these firm.
Independent aerospace exchange Skyfish.com has filed for bankruptcy. Funded by Back Aviation Solutions, Onex and Sabre, its collapse comes as independent exchanges face increasing competition.Source: Flight International
