Canberra nears Seasprite decision

Assessment Australia's national security committee will on 27 March decide whether to scrap or proceed with the Royal Australian Navy's troubled introduction of Kaman SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopters. A submission prepared by defence minister Brendan Nelson argues that the project should be abandoned in favour of a purchase of new aircraft from Eurocopter or Sikorsky, both of which were asked last year to provide formal proposals on performing the Super Seasprite's anti-surface warfare role. The SH-2G(A)s could be sold for spares, despite outlays of A$1 billion ($800 million). Raytheon Australia and Linfox will, meanwhile, lease three AgustaWestland A109 helicopters to support RAN conversion training between the Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel and frontline types including the Sikorsky S-70 Seahawk under a four-year deal signed last week.

Alteon revamps

Restructuring Boeing subsidiary Alteon Training is to re-examine its network of simulator centres under a new business strategy emphasing long-term partnerships with airlines. "Optimisation" of the training network could result in the relocation, upgrade or withdrawal of several of more than 80 full-flight simulators operated at over 20 locations worldwide, it says. The strategy focuses on deployment of the 787 training network, regulatory approval for multi-crew pilot licence training and meeting pilot demand in China and India.

UK launches new defence organisation

Procurement The UK's new Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation will begin operations on 2 April, and will merge the activities of the Ministry of Defence's previous Defence Logistics Organisation and Defence Procurement Agency. The DE&S will be headed by the UK's former chief of defence logistics, Gen Sir Kevin O'Donoghue, with Lord Drayson to become minister of state for defence equipment and support.

Qantas takeover bid hits turbulence

Acquisition Airline Partners Australia has received a setback in its A$11.1 billion ($9 billion) bid to purchase Qantas, with one of the airline's major institutional shareholders saying it will not accept the consortium's offer. Balance Equity Management holds 4% in Qantas and says it does not plan to accept the A$5.45 a share offer in the current strong market.




Source: Flight International