FALCON DELIVERIES UP AT DASSAULT
Dassault Aviation had a mixed first half, with orders, sales and profits all falling short of their levels from the same period last year while the Falcon business jets unit made solid headway. During a first half marked by the launch of the winglet-equipped Falcon 900LX, which replaces the 900EX, Falcon sales were up 6.8% to €1.1 billion ($1.6 billion), deliveries rose to 34 units from 29 last time, and orders held steady at 87 units, including 23 to NetJets, though order value fell 23.8% to €1.89 billion. In defence, sales fell 42% to €440 million, while orders during the period edged up marginally to €560 million. Overall, the company saw net profit fall 9.2% to €167 million on sales down 14% at €1.54 billion. The orderbook increased during the half 5.7% to €15.84 billion.
IFE SALES STRONG DESPITE DOWNTURN: PANASONIC
Soaring fuel prices, a weakening US economy and other industry challenges have not affected Panasonic Avionics' in-flight entertainment business, a top company official says. Strategic product marketing director David Bruner says carriers "with a longer vision, and not as worried about the day-to-day swing in oil prices" are looking at the current downturn as an opportunity to differentiate themselves from the competition: "They are rising forward and some of them that are strong are looking at this as an opportunity to distance themselves in the marketplace." Separately, Aircell has signed a fourth, as-yet unidentified, customer for its in-flight broadband service, which is dubbed Gogo, following deals with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Virgin America. Gogo runs via an air-to-ground link, but satellite technology may later supply overseas services.
STRUGGLING ZOOM GRINDS TO A HALT
Transatlantic operator Zoom Airlines has suspended operations after failing to secure a refinancing package. The carrier had planned to appoint an administrator and seek creditor protection after operations had been disrupted following the debt-related seizure last week of one of its Boeing 767s. Zoom's two divisions, based in Ottawa and at London Gatwick, operate 767s and 757s. Citing "the horrendous increase in the price of aviation fuel and the economic climate" for Zoom's troubles, executive chairman Hugh Boyle says: "We have done everything we can to support the airline and left no stone unturned to secure a refinancing package that would have kept our aircraft flying."
LUFTHANSA MAY BUY BRUSSELS AIRLINES PARENT
Lufthansa is negotiating a €65 million ($96 million) strategic investment in Brussels Airlines' parent company SN Airholding, initially giving it a 45% stake in the company and an option on the remaining 55% after two years. Brussels Airlines serves a number of European destinations and is well established in Africa.The deal is subject to approval by Lufthansa's supervisory board, SN Airholding's board and shareholders, and regulators.
TURKISH AIRLINES DECLARES INTEREST IN AUSTRIAN
Turkish Airlines has joined Lufthansa on the list of declared interested bidders in Austrian Airlines Group's privatisation by submitting a letter of intent to state holding company OIAG. OIAG is selling its 42.75% stake in the Austrian Airlines Group. Local media reports suggest that Russian carrier S7, Air France-KLM and Air China may also be interested in buying OIAG's Austrian stake.
Source: Flight International
