Aircraft

Independent from Europe's heavyweights, BAE Systems and EADS, Finmeccanica continues to dominate Italian aerospace. Subsidiary Alenia Aeronautica was hit by the Boeing strike, as a tier-one 787 supplier, but its C-27J business is booming, to the benefit of local suppliers such as Secondo Mona. AgustaWestland, Finmeccanica's helicopter unit, is meanwhile in the throes of internationalisation, while at home budget cuts have scaled down national military and space ambitions. Nevertheless, some savings should be realised through the belated relaunch of Alitalia, and EU aid has been forthcoming for an upgrade of southern Italy's air traffic infrastructure, boosting the prospects of the Campania region's aerospace cluster. Our Italy special explores all of these developments in depth.

Contents

• Alenia Composite momentum slowed
• FLEET AIR ARM: Italian fleet air arm recapitalises
• DEFENCE ELECTRONICS: Finmeccanica extends its reach
• HELICOPTERS: AgustaWestland strives for growth
• DEFENCE: Armed forces deal with budget cuts
• MANUFACTURING: Secondo Mona marches on
• AIR TRANSPORT: Alitalia rescue plan broadest yet
• SPACEFLIGHT: Italy's space ambitions
• ALLIANCES: Regions unite
• ATC MANAGEMENT: European aid helps southern Italy

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