In what some have characterized as a New York Giants underdog win over Boeing, the US Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman–EADS the $40 billion tanker contract. But as it turns out, the underdog won by a big margin! Understandably, Boeing is very unhappy and may appeal the decision. "We are excited to partner with the Air Force for their number one acquisition priority, the KC-45A Tanker," said Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief executive officer. "Northrop Grumman's vast expertise in aerospace design, development and systems integration will ensure our nation's warfighters receive the most capable and versatile tanker ever built. The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker will be a game changer." The state of Alabama, where final assembly of the tanker will take place is gearing up to attract European and other out-of-state suppliers to its home turf.
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In the biggest Indian–US arms deal to date, Lockheed Marin sold six C-130J Hercules to India. The $1 billion deal is expected to be inked in March. While the sale is for only six aircraft, the deal represents a clear indication that India is looking to the west for military hardware. This break with the former supplier Russia is seen as reflecting the very significant warming of relationships between India and the US. Both India and Lockheed Martin will exhibit at the Berlin International Air Show (ILA 2008) and other military hardware manufacturers and suppliers will be well served by attending and meeting the large Indian delegation expected. India is also in the market for 126 fighter aircraft and perhaps this first deal with Lockheed Martin gives them a leg up at ILA.
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MRO consultancy Aerostrategy says that the the engines fleet will grow from 40,000 engines (2005) to 57,000 engines in 2015. MRO activity related to engines will increase from 35% of all activity to 38% and from $13.3 billion (2005) to $20.9 billion in 2015. Engines are grouped based on three thrust categories: below 18,000lb (80kN) 18,000–35,000lb and above 35,000lb and relate roughly to the three major sectors of the air transport market aircraft: regional, narrow body and wide body. With many of the companies engaged in MRO exhibiting at the Berlin Air Show, it is a great place to make connections for your company's part of the increasing engine maintenance pie.
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Future president and CEO of Bombardier Aerospace's, Pierre Beaudoin likes the way the future looks for his business which he says has not been impacted by the economic turmoil in the U.S. "On the contrary, we see demand that continues to rise," he told reporters in late January. Pierre Beaudoin, will take the reigns of Bombardier in June 2008. Bombardier is backlogged by three to four years. Bombardier has cut a production deal with China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) which would invest $400 million in the proposed new CSeries aircraft. Reportedly, China would build the aircraft's fuselage. Bombardier will be exhibiting at the Berlin show and it will be a great place for suppliers and buyers to make contact.
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India's TAL will manufacture an essential structural components for the Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. A subsidiary of Tata Motors Ltd, TAL Manufacturing Solutions Ltd will use an advanced technology to create floor beams from titanium and composite materials. The floor beams will be manufactured at TAL's new facility in Nagpur, India, and then sent to Boeing partners in Japan, Italy and the United States where they will be incorporated into larger assemblies. "The production of Boeing's structural components by TAL indicates technical and manufacturing excellence within the Group," said Ravi Kant, chairman, TAL and managing director, Tata Motors Ltd. India, the Partner Country for ILA 2008 will bring a large delegation to the Berlin show. Don't miss this opportunity to get up close and personal will the delegation.
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John Leahy, Airbus COO-Customers, predicted that the world will need 24,300 new aircraft worth $2.6 trillion by 2026 simply to renew aging fleets and meet the annual growth in passenger traffic of nearly 5% a year. Don't forget about air freight. Approximately 900 of the new aircraft will be freighters, valued at $200 billion.
Most of these aircraft will come from two places, Europe and North America – split roughly 50–50. Suppliers who want a part of this new work need to link up with OEMs especially those in Europe who are looking for suppliers outside of Europe and especially the US where the exchange rate gives suppliers a 30% advantage over their European competitors. One of the best places to do this is at the Berlin International Air Show, May 27–June 1.
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Northrop-Grumman and EADS will be at the show and will be prepared to answer questions about the new tanker contract. Suppliers interested in supplying to the new tanker that will be assembled in Alabama should be there! Alabama will want to talk with European and out of state suppliers about opportunities in Alabama.
Click here to visit the official Berlin Air Show website.
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