Share this
Following the Alaska Airlines emergency landing, Boeing faces repercussions from its outsourcing strategy, as concerns over quality and engineering issues have come to light
Jan. 13, 2024 - The outsourcing of components, a practice adopted in the 2000s, has led to various quality problems in Boeing jets, including misdrilled holes and loose bolts. The recent door-plug blowout on a MAX9 plane has prompted federal investigations, grounding about 170 MAX planes, and increased oversight of Boeing's manufacturing by the Federal Aviation Administration. (WSI)
RTX is considering legal action against the Italian government for blocking the sale of its subsidiary Collins Aerospace's Microtecnica to French firm Safran
Jan. 12, 2024 - Italy invoked its Golden Power legislation to prevent the sale, citing concerns the geopolitical environment and potential risks to the Italian military's access to critical components. RTX and Safran plan to challenge the veto in court. (Defense News)
Airbus reported record annual jet orders of 2,319 gross and 2,094 net order in 2023
Jan. 11, 2024 - Surpassing Boeing in deliveries for the fifth consecutive year with 735 airplanes delivered. Airbus is sold out for single-aisle jets until the end of the decade and for widebodies until 2028, while Boeing, still recovering from past issues, delivered 528 aircraft in 2023 with 1,314 net new orders. (Reuters)
Over 400 investors has formed the AUKUS Defense Investor Network to enhance collaboration in national security innovation among Australia, the U.S., and the U.K.
Jan. 10, 2024 - Representing about $265 billion in venture capital, the AUKUS Defense Investor Network aims to facilitate communication between investors and defense officials. The network will address policy concerns and promote discussions between private investors and the military to drive venture funding towards critical capabilities. (Defense News)
Jan. 10, 2024 - Representing about $265 billion in venture capital, the AUKUS Defense Investor Network aims to facilitate communication between investors and defense officials. The network will address policy concerns and promote discussions between private investors and the military to drive venture funding towards critical capabilities. (Defense News)
Boeing's fixed-price development contract from the U.S. Air Force's KC-46 tanker has resulted in $7 billion in cost overruns, far exceeding the initial contract value of $4.9 billion.
Jan. 9, 2024 - The program faced delays, production errors, and a faulty vision system. This experience is considered a "cautionary tale," prompting both the Pentagon and contractor to reevaluate the risks associated with fixed-price contracts, with some experts suggesting that cost-plus contracts might be more suitable for complex development programs. (Defense News)
Airbus is close to securing a substantial widebody jet order from Delta Air Lines, including additional A350-1000 aircraft, according to industry sources.
Jan. 8, 2024 - While Delta ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets in 2022, it has predominantly been an Airbus customer, and U.S. airlines are increasingly investing in high-margin revenue opportunities in the region amid rising costs and fleet renewal considerations. (Yahoo! Finance)
Rocket Lab was awarded a $515 million contract by the Space Development Agency to build 18 data transport satellites
Jan. 8, 2024 - This marks Rocket Lab's first prime satellite development contract, and the company will produce the subsystems in-house at its Long Beach, California, manufacturing complex. The satellites, designed to offer encrypted connectivity and communication for military users globally, are expected to be launched in 2027. (Defense News)
