Most Clicked AIA dailyLead Stories
1. Upgraded Chinese missiles, radar threaten U.S. Navy's role in Asia
AIA dailyLead | Nov 17, 2009
U.S. intelligence sources say China is close to completing the world's first anti-ship ballistic missile, potentially creating a "no-go zone" for U.S. carriers in the international waters around Taiwan. Besides the land-based missile with a range of nearly 900 miles, China is developing radar capable of pinpointing U.S. ships far from its shores, and the Chinese navy now has 36 vessels equipped with anti-ship weapons. In response, the U.S. Navy plans to build up to seven additional Aegis-class DDG-51 destroyers armed with sophisticated radar and missiles. Bloomberg (11/16)
2. With new fittings in place, 787 could fly by year's end
AIA dailyLead | Nov 13, 2009
Boeing Co. says it has finished attaching 34 reinforced fittings to the joints where the wings meet the fuselage on its new 787 aircraft, setting the stage for test flights later this year. "Completing this work is a significant step toward first flight," the company said Thursday in a statement. Air Transport World (11/13) Chicago Tribune (11/12)
3. Pentagon takes aim at growing number of contract protests
AIA dailyLead | Nov 18, 2009
Last year saw a record 611 challenges to defense contract awards, and the Pentagon is reviewing its contracting procedures in an effort to reverse the trend. According to the General Accounting Office, contract protests surged 24% in 2008, including high-profile efforts to build new aerial refueling tankers and search-and-rescue helicopters. A Pentagon official refused to speculate whether his department might ask Congress to rewrite the 25-year-old law that made such protests possible. Bloomberg (11/17)
4. Bombardier weighs new challenger to Gulfstream G650
AIA dailyLead | Nov 16, 2009
Amid signs of growth in the international market for business aircraft, Bombardier Inc. says it may introduce a new model to compete with the Gulfstream G650, which parent General Dynamics Corp. promises will fly at nearly the speed of sound. "Do we intend to leave space to the Gulfstream 650?" Beaudoin said in an interview with Bloomberg. "Absolutely not." Beaudoin said an increase in world trade makes bigger, faster business jets a necessity for some companies. "It's superb to have an aircraft that can take you to China on a Monday, to Europe and back to America, all of this in a week. Global businesses can't do that without a business jet," he said. Bloomberg (11/13)
5. Plane makers say airlines are poised to bounce back
AIA dailyLead | Nov 16, 2009
Both Boeing Co. and Airbus SAS are predicting an international recovery in the airline industry next year. Speaking from the Dubai Air Show, the two leading plane makers said airlines have stopped deferring deliveries of pricey new jets as they prepare for firming demand for air travel in the coming years. "Everybody is talking about new orders, there is nobody talking about delays and cancellations," said Airbus COO John Leahy. Meanwhile, a Boeing executive predicted that "next year will be a year of recovery, and in 2011 airlines will return to profitability." Bloomberg (11/16)
6. United Technologies predicts higher 2010 profit
AIA dailyLead | Nov 19, 2009
United Technologies Corp. expects higher profit in 2010, though revenues will be essentially flat with 2009 levels. CFO Greg Hayes said aggressive cost-cutting, including the elimination of some 14,000 jobs, "gives us confidence we will grow earnings in 2010, high confidence... even with revenues that will probably be flattish." Google (11/18)
7. Northrop Grumman proceeds with Fire Scout testing while Army decides
AIA dailyLead | Nov 18, 2009
As the Army rethinks its requirements on air vehicles for its new Brigade Combat Team Modernization program, Northrop Grumman is moving forward with testing on its Fire Scout vertical-takeoff unmanned vehicle. The company already has a contract with the Navy, which is flying its MQ-8B Fire Scout on missions in the Caribbean. Aviation Week & Space Technology (11/17)
8. Israel ties F-35 orders to jobs for Israeli firms
AIA dailyLead | Nov 13, 2009
Israeli defense officials said Thursday they may be willing to place an immediate order for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter if Israeli defense companies are allowed to participate in production of the aircraft. Israel's defense minister met earlier this week with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and officials expect the Pentagon to present its offer letter within weeks. Jerusalem Post, The (free registration) (11/13)
9. Boeing: Repairs are complete on half of 787 test fleet
AIA dailyLead | Nov 17, 2009
Boeing says it has fixed structural problems on three of its six 787 test aircraft as the company scrambles to meet a self-imposed deadline of getting the plane airborne this year. "We are going to fly this plane when it is ready and safe, and when we know it will be a successful flight," said Jim Albaugh, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Right now, based on everything we know, it should fly this year." USA TODAY (11/16) Chicago Tribune (11/16)
10. Lockheed Martin revamps Electronic Systems unit
AIA dailyLead | Nov 17, 2009
Lockheed Martin says it is appointing a new head of its Electronic Systems unit and making other changes at the division, which could result in job losses in addition to the 1,000 jobs cut in Owego, N.Y., this year. The changes come after the defense contractor lost two substantial deals involving the New York facility, and they include realigning the division to boost operations and affordability. Washington Post, The (11/17)
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Companies in the news
- AMR Corporation
- Air Berlin
- AirTran Holdings Inc.
- Alaska Air Group Inc
- All Nippon Airways Inc.
- BAE Systems plc
- China Southern Airlines
- Continental Airlines Inc.
- Delta Air Lines Inc.
- Elbit Systems Ltd.
- GE Commercial Aviation Services
- Japan Airlines
- Northwest Airlines
- Rolls-Royce
- Southwest Airlines Co