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Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI's) Malat division has developed the, electric-powered, 70-kt. Panther unmanned aerial system (UAS) for low-noise surveillance operations. The aircraft features tilt-rotor motors that allow point takeoffs and landings, automatic navigation to the targets, and day/night cameras.

Sodern has developed a new neutron detector technology that is expected to improve surveillance at airports and benefit other agencies involved in controlling terrorist attacks and illicit drug trafficking. This reinforces the efforts by EADS which holds 90% in Sodern, to constantly develop new products outside its Airbus business.

Boeing Military Aircraft, like other aerospace companies, looking at the shift towards unmanned aircraft is also creating a new unmanned airborne system division. Other companies besides Boeing, like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Elbit Systems and others are all looking to develop unmanned aircraft offering amazing technologies to meet the market potential.

The extreme conditions that led to the development and launch of the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (Lcross) mission are highlighted. The low-cost spacecraft classified as Class D, was developed by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems along with the NASA Ames Research Center.

GKN has acquired the wing component and assemblies unit of Airbus in the U.K. This makes GKN an important partner in the manufacture of the A350XWB twin-wide body transport aircraft being developed by Airbus.

Airbus in an effort to avoid political disagreements decides on Latecoere to take over its facilities in Europe though financial strategies are yet to be finalized.

The article discusses delay in the planned sale of Airbus' German manufacturing units that is still a cause of concern and may reflect on profits for EADS.

The US and European Union (EU) have submitted filings with the World Trade Organization (WTO) related to the Airbus and Boeing subsidies issue whereby the US trade officials contend that European government were providing expressly forbidden subsidies. The filings include long-standing concerns and issues that were not discussed in public.

The U.S. union is ending the loans allowed under the 1992 agreement before Airbus gains progress toward launching the A350, its A330-derived prospective challenger to the 7E7. The U.S. is terminating the agreement arguing European governments broke the rules by providing production assistance through subsidies to build manufacturing facilities in Germany, France, the U.K. and Spain.

Boeing called for a revision of the enforceable agreement, claiming that the 1992 bilateral's intent was to reduce launch aid and reduce subsidies but Airbus has chosen not to comply with that bilateral as it continues to subsidize and provide launch aid for each of their programs. The agreement set a cap of 33% for direct subsidies for aircraft development.

The United Arab Emirates will purchase from Italian aircraft manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi forty-eight M-346 aircrafts to meet the requirements of its Air Force for advanced jet trainers and light strike fighters. The deal was finalized at the Idex defense exhibition held from the 22-26 February 2009 and delivery is expected to commence by 2012.

Premium Aerotec, the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company's (EADS's) new German subsidiary created January 2009, plans to invest heavily in technology and infrastructure in order to become an independent Tier 1 aerospace supplier over the coming three years.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is the only candidate in the race to build three new U.S. Air Force One airplanes for the use of future U.S. presidents. The European Aeronautic and Defense and Space company (EADS) and its subsidiary Airbus will not compete for the contract.

GKN Aerospace took over the Airbus wing component and assemblies manufacturing site at Filton on January 5, 2009, ending 18 month of negotiations. The company plans a diversification program and is looking toward winning a bid for developing the CSeries single-aisle aircraft for Bombardier in the Filton site.

The strategy that Latecoere has adopted to achieve economic viability due to a strong Euro and high labor costs in Europe is discussed.

Latecoere plans to purchase two Airbus plants in France that would enable the company to become a leader in Europe in the manufacture of nose sections for commercial aircrafts.

Denel, the South African aerospace and defense manufacturer is planning to create a merged unmanned aerial vehicle company and restructure its missile units to increase profitability.

The outcome of the Airbus Power8 review might be a starting point for patching up the strained relationship between the British government, Airbus and parent EADS. The relations between the U.K., Airbus and EADS was strained after BAE Systems sold its 20% stake in Airbus to EADS and this review might provide a template for Airbus to start rationalizing its operations, potentially consolidating elements of its European footprint.

Carlyle Group has renamed its business aviation unit - Carrett/Peidmont Hawthorne/Associated as Landmark Aviation. The Group, planning to make two more acquisitions, is looking for other companies, particularly fixed-base operators (FBOs) in 'high-profile locations' and component and accessory companies to supplement its business aviation group.

The French aerostructures group, which has long-term business links with Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer, is expanding its production capacity to meet its anticipated demand expecting robust growth in future. Latecoere do Brasil, a fully owned subsidiary at San Jose dos Campos, near Embraer's headquarters has generated new business opportunities for the global supply chain by starting aerostructures deliveries and creating engineering team to handle modifications.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the Seattle-based commercial jetliner manufacturing division of the Chicago-headquartered Boeing Company, has four business units contributing to MRO. The growing demand for the freighter capacity has enabled Boeing to agreements with well-known specialists in passenger-to-freight conversion and it is also working to supply the growing demand for information technology tools from its airline customers and third-party MRO shops.