BAE Systems is to close its Airbus freighter conversion factory in Filton, UK, citing the downturn in the aviation market and the additional damage to the industry caused by the 11 September US terrorist attacks. Filton, which is part of BAE's Aviation Services group, has "no sustainable final order book" and BAE says it is therefore "unable to justify keeping the business going". BAE has been seeking to sell the concern in its entirety or in parts and will continue to try to find a buyer during the 90-day redundancy consultation period.
Source: Flight International
