AIRBUS OUTPUT DOWN, ORDERS UP
Airbus delivered 250 aircraft over the first half of 2010, while the recent landmark Emirates deal for 32 A380s took its six-month gross order total to 131. Cancellations of six A330s and eight A320-family jets brought the net figure to 117, compared with 68 for the same period last year. Airbus is slightly behind its 2009 delivery rate at the halfway point. The airframer delivered 254 aircraft in the first six months of last year.
INDIA AND MALAYSIA EXPLORE AIR LIBERALISATION
India and Malaysia have begun talks to liberalise their air services agreement as part of a bid to promote tourism and business links. "There are opportunities in other Indian cities where our airlines can operate," says Malaysian transport minister Kong Cho Ha, "and we invite more Indian airlines to fly to Malaysia."
ORION COMPLETES SAFETY REVIEW
Lockheed Martin's Orion crew exploration vehicle has completed NASA's Phase 1 safety review and now moves into a Phase 2 review. The space capsule is scheduled for critical design review completion in 2011 and orbit in 2013.
EU IMPOSES OPERATING BAN ON IRAN AIR
The European Union has expanded its "blacklist" restrictions on Iran Air to include a ban on operations to Europe by the carrier's Airbus A320s, Boeing 727s and 747s. In its March "blacklist", the European Commission had allowed Iran Air operations into Europe by 18 Airbus A300/A310s, nine 747s, six A320s and a single Boeing 737, but extended the ban after ramp check results on the carrier's A320s were found to be "noticeably worse" than those for other aircraft in its fleet.
COURT UPHOLDS AER LINGUS TAKEOVER BAN
Europe's General Court upheld a European Commission bar on Ryanair taking over Aer Lingus, but stood firm on refusing to order the Irish budget carrier to divest its 29.3% shareholding in its rival. Three years ago, the Commission stopped Ryanair's planned takeover, deeming it "incompatible with the common market".
A350 PYLON COMPONENT WORK GOES TO MAGELLAN
Airbus has selected the UK division of Magellan Aerospace to manufacture pylon body aluminium detail components for the A350. The work, to be carried out in Bournemouth and Wrexham, will be worth $60 million over the next decade.
ANTONOV AND UAC SEE JOINT VENTURE BY OCTOBER
United Aircraft and Antonov are aiming to complete formation of an intermediate 50:50 joint venture over the next three months. The two sides plan to set up a common marketing firm to sell Antonov types including the An-140, An-148, An-124 and probably the An-70 and work out ways to further integrated the companies.
GARUDA IPO TO BE HELD BY END OF 2010
Garuda Indonesia hopes to launch its initial public offer later this year, says chief executive Emirsyah Satar, who adds that the Indonesian government will decide on the percentage of the carrier to be floated after an underwriter is found. He has said previously that up to 40% of the carrier could be offered. Garuda's plans for an IPO are part of a five-year turnaround plan.
Source: Flight International
