McDONNELL DOUGLAS will announce shortly the selection of its final MD-95 supplier partner to develop and produce the twinjet's empennage.
The US company has shortlisted Spain's CASA, Fleet Aeronca of Canada, Gamesa of Spain and Shenyang Aircraft of China. The selected company will fund development of the empennage.
Work will primarily consist of the MD-95's fuselage Section 48, vertical stabiliser, rudder and tailcone. Development and production of the aircraft's horizontal stabiliser, along with the engine pylons, has already been awarded to Shimaywa Aircraft of Japan.
Halla Engineering and Heavy Industries of South Korea is negotiating to transfer some MD-95 wing work to Hyundai. The latter is keen to expand into the aerospace sector and is linked to Halla through its family owners.
Source: Flight International