SALES AND EARNINGS UP AT BAE
RESULTS BAE Systems' revenue totalled £9.94 billion ($16.4 billion) in the six months ended 30 June, a growth of 6% on a like-for-like basis from that of 2008's first half, while earnings rose by 3% (like for like) to £979 million. Earnings at the electronics, intelligence and support operating group expanded by 35% to £268 million, and those of the programme and support group increased by 45% to £277 million. The regional aircraft division reversed a £2 million loss with earnings of £39 million. However, the international operating group's earnings dropped 26% to £161 million.
INQUIRY RECOMMENDS EADS BOSSES FACE FINES
INVESTIGATION France's Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) has, according to financial media reports, recommended heavy fines against former Airbus chief Noel Forgeard and current sales head John Leahy - of €5.4 million ($7.6 million) and €3.6 million respectively - following its inquiry into allegations of insider trading. The investigating body's sanctions commission will rule on whether the fines should be imposed after hearings later this year.
QANTAS SET FOR A380 ONAIR INTERNET BY YEAR-END
COMMUNICATIONS Qantas could move beyond webchat and webmail to offer full in-flight internet connectivity on its Airbus A380s by the end of the year, according to the head of Airbus/Sita joint venture OnAir. Benoit Debains says a plan has been submitted to Australian regulators,
R-R ENGINE REVENUES UP, SERVICE SALES FLAT
PROPULSION Rolls-Royce's civil aerospace division achieved 424 engine deliveries in the first half of 2009, a decline from 462 deliveries in the same period of 2008. Underlying profit fell 5.5% to £257 million ($423 million) on an 8.4% rise in underlying revenues to £2.28 billion. The defence aerospace division, meanwhile, achieved 284 engine deliveries, up from 198 in the first half of 2008. Underlying revenues rose 26% to £969 million and underlying profit was up 31% to £136 million. Full-year military sales and deliveries are expected to exceed 2008's, offsetting anticipated civil declines.
EASYJET SLOWS CAPACITY GROWTH, FLEET PLAN STAYS
ROUTES UK budget carrier EasyJet expects its average capacity growth rate in the medium term to be around 7.5%, against growth of 16.8% in 2007-8. However, its revised fleet plan lists it as having 187 aircraft by 30 September 2010, a figure unchanged from the plan released in May. By the end of September 2011 the carrier intends to have 196 aircraft - two more than in its previous plan.
PRODUCTION CRJ1000 TAKES OFF
FIRST FLIGHT Bombardier's first production CRJ1000 NextGen regional has joined the flight-test programme. Aircraft 19001 will soon join the company's CRJ1000 prototype - a modification of the CRJ900 test aircraft - in Wichita to prepare for review by the flight operations evaluation board. The CRJ1000 NexGen is scheduled for certification in the fourth quarter of 2009 and service entry early next year.
GARRISON GETS THE CALL AT BELL
MANAGEMENT Bell Helicopter president and chief executive Richard Millman has retired after 43 years at the company. He has been replaced by John Garrison, previously president of Textron's industrial segment.
Source: Flight International
