EADS PUTS BRAKES ON A400M PRODUCTION
EADS is slowing down production of the Airbus Military A400M transport, as it grapples with ongoing delays to the start of flight testing of Europrop International's TP400 engine. The European manufacturer says it has "decided a slowdown on the A400M production to take into account some uncertainties on the agenda, as previously announced". In September EADS confirmed that the first flight of the A400M would slip beyond the end of this year, due to the "unavailability of the propulsion system".
ECLIPSE PULLS OUT OF AOPA TO SAVE CASH
Eclipse Aviation has cancelled plans to attend the last major US aviation show of 2008 "to conserve cash". The Albuquerque, New Mexico-based company had booked a hall display and static spot at this month's Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Expo. Eclipse says it continues "to look for financing in the midst of global economic difficulties". Its board is scheduled to decide this month whether to launch the Eclipse 400 personal jet.
MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT CLEARED ON EC725 DEAL
A Malaysian parliamentary committee has cleared its government of wrongdoing in its selection of the Eurocopter EC725 for its air force. The verdict, however, will not change Kuala Lumpur's decision to defer the purchase by about two years that is likely to lead to a fresh competition. The other contenders for the contract, which is to replace Malaysia's fleet of Sikorsky S-61 "Nuri" helicopters, were the AgustaWestland AW101, Boeing CH-47, Kazan Mi-172, Mil Mi-17 and Sikorsky S-92.
SHUTTLE DECISION TOP PRIORITY: US WATCHDOG
The US Government Accountability Office has said the Space Shuttle's retirement is a top priority for president-elect Barack Obama's administration. It has also stated that a "decision in favour of extending Shuttle [operations beyond the planned 2010 retirement date]" may offer "the best course" for the future of the International Space Station. According to the GAO, the new administration "may decide to extend the Shuttle" and defer development of NASA's Constellation vehicles as they are expected to cost more than $230 billion to develop and deploy.
QATAR AIRWAYS AMONG BIDDERS FOR OLYMPIC
Greece's transport ministry has publicly identified seven organisations that are interested in acquiring the flight operation of flag carrier Olympic Airlines, although another six remain confidential. The seven companies named include Qatar Airways, new carrier Athens Airways, and the Kuwaiti Fouad Al Ghanim Group, plus Chrysler Aviation, MyAir, SkyEurope and SkyOne. Meanwhile 15 companies are pursuing Olympic's ground-handling division, and 10 its maintenance unit.
GENERAL DYNAMICS SEALS JET AVIATION BUY
Gulfstream parent General Dynamics has completed its acquisition of Switzerland-based business aircraft services provider Jet Aviation for SFr2.45 billion ($2.18 billion) from Permira Funds. The acquisition, which was announced in August, significantly boosts GD's maintenance and completions capability worldwide and adds seven fixed-base operations to the portfolio. The Jet Aviation and Midcoast Aviation and Savannah Air Center brands will be retained along with current management.
Source: Flight International
