VOUGHT BUY MAKES A TOP-TIER TRIUMPH

AEROSTRUCTURES Dallas-based Vought Aircraft Industries, the aerostructures maker whose South Carolina 787 centre and aft fuselage operation was last year bought by Boeing in a partial reversal of the airframer's outsourcing policy on its twinjet programme, has been purchased by aircraft components maker Triumph. The $1.44 billion deal, expected to close in July, will create a significant new tier one aerostructures player, with forecast revenue of $3.1 billion, comparable to Spirit AeroSystems.

RED ARROWS HAWKS COLLIDE IN TRAINING

AEROBATICS Two BAE Systems Hawks from the UK Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic display team collided in mid-air during a pre-season training exercise in Crete on 23 March. One pilot was able to land, but the other pilot ejected but was injured, with the badly damaged aircraft coming to rest on the runway at the Greek air force's Kastelli air base.

BOEING TO RAISE 747 AND 777 OUTPUT

WIDEBODIES Boeing will increase production of the 777 and 747 beginning in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Monthly 777 output will rise from five to seven starting in mid-2011, six months earlier than previously planned. For the 747, Boeing is accelerating an increase planned for mid-2013 to mid-2012, from its current level of 1.5 a month to a monthly rate of two aircraft. The airframer is expected to decide by mid-year about raising production levels for the 737.

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AEROSTRUCTURES RISK HITS RUAG

RESULTS Space and defence businesses helped Swiss technology group Ruag boost 2009 revenue by 10.5% to SFr1.7 billion ($1.59 billion). Earnings before interest and taxes dipped by a fifth to SFr45 million, though the risky market outlook and key programme delays impacting its aviation technology business prompted a SFr160 million special impairment charge on its aerostructures division, pulling the company to a net earnings before interest and tax loss of SFr107 million.

BOMBARDIER CONSIDERS CHINESE ASSEMBLY LINE

PRODUCTION Bombardier could open an aircraft assembly line in China to help increase sales there but aims to identify a product that will be successful in the country before making a decision, chief executive Pierre Beaudoin is reported as saying. Bombardier already has a presence in China, with AVIC's Shenyang Aircraft supplying the fuselage for its Q400 and CSeries aircraft.

JAL TO END ALL-CARGO OPERATIONS

FREIGHT Japan Airlines will cease dedicated freighter services at the end of October, and thence offer only cargo belly space on its passenger aircraft as part of a plan to increase yields and return to profitability. The cargo arm operates seven Boeing 747-400Fs and three 767-300Fs which will be "retired gradually", says the airline.

UK CREATES CENTRAL SPACEFLIGHT AGENCY

FUNDING The UK has launched its first central agency to fund civil spaceflight activities and represent the country on international bodies and within the European Space Agency. With an annual budget of £230 million ($343 million), the UK Space Agency replaces the British National Space Centre and the Ministry of Defence as manager of UK interests in the European Union's Satellite Centre.

Source: Flight International