Boeing organised the first public tour of the Dreamliner’s production line in Everett on Monday

The Seattle Times offers a “first look” inside the Boeing 787. Boeing organised the first public tour of the Dreamliner’s production line in Everett on Monday. The US daily reports that the N°3 unit -currently being completed at the assembly line- marks a “turning point”. Pat Shanahan, 787 programme manager, indeed, asserted that Boeing could now meet its revised schedule. Yet, he acknowledged that some challenges could still emerge unexpectedly. “This is a programme where every half-hour somebody runs in my office and throws a grenade”, he told the reporters who attended the visit. Still he expressed confidence that any issues could be resolved. The Seattle Times (20/05)

EADS targets new acquisitions in the US.

Following its $ 350M acquisition of Californiabased emergency solutions firm PlantCML last month, EADS wants to take advantage of the weak dollar and proceed with further takeovers in the “defence, security and services sectors in the US”, Louis Gallois told the French Ajef journalist association.

Airbus faces troubles with the weight of its new A350 XWB.

According to Handelsblatt, Airbus faces troubles with the weight of its new A350 XWB. Citing industry sources, the German daily reports that the long-haul aircraft is still around eight tonnes over the planned weight. Asked for comments, Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath told Dow Jones Newswires

Airbus announced Maz Aviation committed to purchasing six A350 XWB Prestige

At the Ebace business aviation show in Geneva yesterday, Airbus announced that Saudi airline Maz Aviation had committed to purchasing six A350 XWB Prestige variants for $ 1.5Bn at list prices. This marks the biggest contract ever won by Airbus in the VIP jet segment, notes Le Figaro Economie.

Bad weather conditions prevented at the Narita airport as scheduled.

Bad weather conditions yesterday prevented the first A380 flight to Tokyo from landing at the Narita airport as scheduled. This first flight –operated by Singapore Airlines- was meant to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Narita airport but had to be redirected to Nagoya instead.

Louis Gallois points at recovery signs at Airbus

Louis Gallois points at recovery signs at Airbus, but also at further cost-saving measures. During his meeting with the French Ajef journalist association yesterday, Louis Gallois responded to concerns expressed earlier by political representatives of the Midi- Pyrenees region.

Airbus and Boeing weigh on titanium prices

Airbus and Boeing weigh on titanium prices, reports Les Echos. Back in April 2005, titanium prices peaked at a historical high ($32-per-kilo) in a context of shortage. This period seems distant memory for consumer countries now, including France.

Bombardier won a record order for business jets at the Ebace show

Bombardier said yesterday that it had won a record order for business jets at the Ebace show in Geneva. Swiss group VistaJet, indeed, ordered 35 business jets from the Canadian manufacturer –including 11 Challenger 605s, 13 Learjet 60XRs and 11 Learjet 85s-

Eurocopter sold its first Hermes-decorated EC135 variant to Emirati Falcon Aviation Service

Eurocopter sold its first Hermes-decorated EC135 variant to Emirati Falcon Aviation Service yesterday. This light helicopter can transport four passengers offering them “outstanding” comfort, explained the manufacturer in a statement.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel ended a visit to Mexico

German Chancellor Angela Merkel ended a visit to Mexico by voicing support to the idea of EADS transferring production to the Central American country, reports Negocio. After an official tour of Latin American countries –Brazil, Colombia, Peru-, Ms Merkel stopped in Mexico, where she delivered a speech in front of the President.

Austrian low-cost business airline Jetalliance ordered one ACJ and two A318 Elite planes

Separately, Austrian low-cost business airline Jetalliance ordered one ACJ and two A318 Elite planes for $ 185M. Those aircraft will be propelled by CFM International CFM56- 5 engines and equipped with VIP cabins.