CRAIG HOYLE / LINKOPING
Sweden's Saab Aerostructures plans to expand its risk-sharing activities on commercial aviation projects in a bid to continue the expansion recorded since it ceased production of the Saab 340 and Saab 2000 regional airliners in 1998.
The company is discussing the possibility of joining Boeing's 7E7 development team, having had a previous interest in the US manufacturer's abandoned Sonic Cruiser project. It says opportunities exist in the business jet sector, and potentially with Brazil's Embraer, should the Saab/BAE Systems joint venture Gripen International sell the multirole fighter to Brazil.
It is also interested in gaining workshare on Airbus Military's A400M - which it says is not predicated on Sweden buying the aircraft.
Saab Aerostructures aims to achieve a 50-50 split in its military and commercial activities within the next two years, says senior vice- president and general manager Pontus Kallen. The unit, which has 1,500 employees and an annual turnover of around $170 million, currently derives two-thirds of its revenue from Gripen production.
Current subcontract activity includes the development, design and production of components for several Airbus products. The company produces the main landing gear doors, pylons, pressurised lateral fin and rear secondary structure for the A340-500/600, and ailerons for the A320-series.
Saab also delivered its first five 32m (105ft)-long mid and outer fixed leading-edge shipsets for the Airbus A380 last year. It is now working on the design of strengthened leading-edge components for the A380 freighter.
The company also manufactures antenna assemblies for satellites and spare parts for the 500 or so Saab 340 and Saab 2000 aircraft still flying. It is also building the forward fuselage section for the NH90 utility helicopter.
Source: Flight International
