By Tim Hepher

AL AIN, United Arab Emirates (Reuters) – Ross Bradley welcomes a delegation of aerospace suppliers in from the blistering heat of the Arabian desert and cools them down with some refreshingly candid advice.

“You are too expensive. Please take this message back. We will not put up with prices we are paying today. Unaffordable.”

The welcome speech may not always be soothing to the ear but industry visitors keep flocking to the remote oasis town of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates to see one of the world’s newest and best-equipped aerospace factories.

They are drawn by the dramatic rise of an ambitious and increasingly powerful player in the fast-growing aerospace industry, which is investing to make jets cheaper to fly.

Flanked by dunes on an ancient Frankincense route from Yemen to Mesopotamia, the factory is designed to help make lightweight carbon jets that will open up the trade lanes of the future.

It sprang from the desert in record time to spearhead Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to diversify its oil-dependent economy and produce high-tech jobs for the company’s mainly female local workforce.

“We put the first spade into the sand in September 2009 and when we started you couldn’t get here in a vehicle; you had to drive by 4×4 and then walk,” says Bradley, chief executive of Strata, the aerostructures business funded by Abu Dhabi.

The project is part of efforts by the UAE’s main exporting emirate to boost the non-oil economy to 56 percent of GDP by 2020 and 64 percent in 2030, up from 41 percent in 2005-07.

It is trying to do what many have long considered impossible – to challenge the biggest parts industry players from Asia to the United States in a short time and at even lower cost, while developing a previously unproven workforce.

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UAE's aerospace dream blooms in the desert

MOJAVE, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — XCOR Aerospace today announced the grand prize winner of a trip aboard the Lynx Mark I suborbital launch vehicle. XCOR Chief Operating Officer Andrew Nelson made the announcement at the Spacecraft Technology Expo (STE) in Los Angeles, CA.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/LA08278)

“About two months ago, we were at an event called the Next-Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference, where together with the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) we gave away a suborbital flight,” said XCOR Chief Operating Officer Andrew Nelson. “We had a winner, and we had a backup.Unfortunately our main winner was unable to accept the prize.Our backup winner, Jennifer Brisco, is now the official recipient of the suborbital flight.”

Jennifer, who hails from the San Francisco Bay Area was flown in to the Spacecraft Technology Expo in Los Angeles to receive the prize. She did not know that she had been selected until presented with the award at the Expo.

“It’s been my lifetime goal to take a suborbital flight,” said Jennifer.”This is an absolute dream … I am in shock right now, I am speechless.”

Jennifer, who is a space enthusiast, will be eligible to fly on the Lynx mark I as a suborbital researcher after passing a medical exam and completing a three day training program that includes altitude and G-force exposure.

“XCOR continues to bring down the costs and barriers associated with commercial human spaceflight,” remarked Andrew.”Reusable Launch Vehicles such as Lynx will usher in a whole new era of accessibility to space by offering routine, affordable and safe trips outside the atmosphere. We look forward to being on the vanguard of this revolution in affordable access to the cosmos.”

XCOR Aerospace is a California corporation located in Mojave, California. The company is in the business of developing and producing safe, reliable and reusable rocket powered vehicles, propulsion systems, advanced non-flammable composites and other enabling technologies like rocket piston pumps that enable full reusability. XCOR is working with aerospace prime contractors and government customers on major propulsion systems, and concurrently building the Lynx, a piloted, two-seat, fully reusable, liquid rocket powered vehicle that takes off and lands horizontally. The Lynx-family of vehicles serves three primary missions depending on their specific type including: research & scientific missions, private spaceflight, and micro satellite launch (only on the Lynx Mark III). The Lynx production models (designated Lynx Mark II) are designed to be robust, multi-mission (research / scientific or private spaceflight) commercial vehicles capable of flying to 100+ km in altitude up to four times per day and are being offered globally on a wet lease basis. (www.xcor.com).

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XCOR Aerospace Announces Lynx Suborbital Flight Winner

BOULDER, Colo., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has submitted its mission concept study to NASA for demonstrating solar electric propulsion (SEP) technologies in space.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/LA08133)

Ball Aerospace was one of five companies awarded up to $600,000 by NASA in September 2011,to formulate a mission concept to demonstrate the solar electric propulsion technologies, capabilities, and infrastructure required for sustainable and affordable human presence in space. NASA will use the studies to plan and implement a future flight demonstration mission to test and validate those science technologies and capabilities.

“Ball Aerospace recognizes the mission enabling aspect of solar electric propulsion and our customer needs for SEP solutions,” said Cary Ludtke, vice president of Ball’s Civil and Operational Space business unit. “We believe we’re the right-sized company with the right capabilities to take this space technology to the next level.”

The current study focused on developing concepts that will be using technology at NASA Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or greater. Ball’s mission concept supports NASA’s goal to elevate SEP technologies in order to create more efficient and powerful solar-powered flight systems. Ball Aerospace worked with several companies to create an implementable solar electronic technology demonstration mission for NASA including: ATK Space Systems, Busek Co. Inc., Deployable Space Systems, Gray Research Inc., and the Southwest Research Institute.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions for national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. For more information visit www.ballaerospace.com.

Ball Corporation (BLL) is a supplier of high quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,500 people worldwide and reported 2011 sales of more than $8.6 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit http://www.ball.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains “forward-looking” statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99.2 in our Form 10-K, which are available on our website and at www.sec.gov. Factors that might affect our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand and preferences; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging availability, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve anticipated productivity improvements or production cost reductions; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; political instability and sanctions; and changes in foreign exchange rates or tax rates. Factors that might affect our aerospace segment include: funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts. Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the recent global recession and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. FDA and other actions affecting products filled in our containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; governmental investigations; technological developments and innovations; goodwill impairment; antitrust, patent and other litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return projected and earned on assets of the company’s defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding the U.S. government budget and debt limit; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and changes to unaudited results due to statutory audits or other effects.

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Ball Aerospace Submits Solar Electric Propulsion Concept to NASA

NEW YORK, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Aerospace and Defence Industry

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0459131/Global-Aerospace-and-Defence-Industry.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Aerospace

This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Aerospace and Defense Industry in US$ Million by the following Major Industrial Sectors: Aircraft Products & Services (Airframe, Aircraft Engine, Aircraft Components, Commercial Avionics, Military Avionics, In-flight Entertainment, & MRO), Missiles (Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface, Air Defense, Surface-to-Surface, Antiship, Antitank, Bombs (Guided), Intelligent Munitions, & Others), Modeling, Simulation and Training (CBT & E-Learning, Military Training & Simulation, Commercial & Military Visual Simulation, & Commercial & Military Flight Simulation), C4ISR & Related (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Electronic Warfare, Mine Countermeasures, Naval Radar and Sonar, Chemical & Biological Agent Detectors, Infrared Imaging Systems and Components, Military Ground Communications, Land-Based Surveillance Radar, & Others), Space Equipment (Launch Vehicles, Communications Satellites, & Earth Observation Satellites), and GPS (Geotechnologies) (Commercial Satellite Imaging, Commercial Aerial Imaging, GIS Software, Commercial SAR Data, and Commercial SAR Software). Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2009 through 2017. Also, a six-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Latin America. The report profiles 438 companies including many key and niche players such as Arianespace SA, ATR, B/E Aerospace, Inc., BAE Systems Plc, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation, Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Bombardier, Inc. Cessna Aircraft Company, CFM International Inc., DAHER-SOCATA, EADS N.V, Airbus S.A.S, Eurocopter, Embraer S.A, Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A, GE Aviation, Goodrich Corporation, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Honeywell International, Inc., Ilyushin Aviation Complex JSC, IRKUT Corporation, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Kaman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Company, Rolls-Royce Plc, RUAG AG, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Snecma SA, Thales Group, The Boeing Company, and Turbomeca SA. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are primarily based upon search engine sources in the public domain.

I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITIONS

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Global Aerospace and Defence Industry

Listed:TSX Symbol:NAS

CHICAGO , May 14, 2012 /CNW/ – Northstar Aerospace, Inc. (NAS.TO) (the “Corporation”) announced today that the forbearance agreement entered into with the syndicate of lenders under the Corporation’s existing credit facility has been extended. Under the forbearance agreement, as extended, the lenders have agreed to forbear from the exercise of their rights under the credit facility through June 4 , 2012.

The Corporation is continuing its process of exploring and evaluating strategic alternatives for the Corporation. No assurances can be given that any proposal will result in a transaction or that any such transaction will result in value for all of the various stakeholders of the Corporation after the repayment of secured debt. As previously disclosed in the notes to the Corporation’s interim financial statements as of September 30, 2011 , significant doubt remains regarding the Corporation’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Northstar Aerospace, Inc. (www.nsaero.com) is North America’s leading independent manufacturer of flight critical gears and transmissions. Northstar Aerospace is a public company (NAS.TO) with operating subsidiaries in the United States and Canada. Its principal products include helicopter gears and transmissions, accessory gearbox assemblies, rotorcraft drive systems and other machined and fabricated parts. It also provides maintenance, repair and overhaul of components and transmissions. The Company’s executive offices are located in Chicago , Illinois. Its plants are located in Chicago , Illinois; Phoenix , Arizona; Milton and Windsor, Ontario, Canada .

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including the statements in the press release relating to the forbearance agreements, the statements relating to the process of exploring and evaluating strategic alternatives for the Corporation, the statements relating to value for the various stakeholders and the statements relating to the Corporation’s financial position and ability to continue as a going concern may be or include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information contained herein is based upon a number of assumptions and actual future events may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including the Corporation’s ability to cure or resolve claimed breach of obligations under customer contracts, its ability to successfully amend its credit agreement, its ability to successfully extend the terms of the forbearance agreements or for the process of exploring strategic alternatives to result in any specific transaction which provides value to existing stakeholders. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation’s expectations (together with the cautionary statements in the previous sentence, “Cautionary Statements”) are included in the Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Risks and Uncertainties, the Corporation’s Annual Information Form filed on March 25, 2011 , under the heading of Risks and Uncertainties, the Corporation’s Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 , and 2010 under the heading Basis Of Preparation And Adoption Of IFRS – Going Concern and in the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis under the heading Risks and Uncertainties and the heading Going Concern. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. All information contained in this press release and subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Corporation or persons acting on behalf of the Corporation are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements. The Corporation disclaims any intentions or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements or comments as a result of any new information, future event or otherwise, unless such disclosure is required by law.

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Northstar Aerospace announces extension of forbearance agreement

DENVER, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Platte River Ventures (“Platte River”), a Denver, CO based private equity firm, announced the sale of its portfolio company, PRV Aerospace, LLC (“PRV Aerospace”), to an affiliate of Court Square Capital Partners (“Court Square”), a private equity firm headquartered in New York, NY.

Headquartered in Everett, WA, PRV Aerospace is an aerospace and defense group that supplies components, subassemblies and assemblies to the world’s leading manufacturers of aircraft, aero-equipment and other defense platforms. Comprised of six operating facilities, PRV Aerospace performs complex machining of hard metals and aluminum, sheet metal fabrication, assembly and test, repair and overhaul, and lower tier supply chain management. Platte River formed PRV Aerospace in January 2010 by consolidating the four aerospace operating companies it had acquired between 2006 and 2008, and PRV Aerospace subsequently completed two strategic add-on acquisitions in 2010 and 2011.

“We are proud of the business that Platte River and PRV Aerospace management have built over the past six years, which is the result of our vision to develop a leading aerospace and defense supplier,” said Platte River Managing Director Greg Sissel. “Richard Wood and his team have built a strong foundation from which the business can continue to grow into an even more strategic supplier to the leading OEMs and Tier-1s.”

“We have had an exceptional relationship with Platte River, and my team and I have valued their strategic insight and guidance over the past several years,” said Richard Wood, CEO of PRV Aerospace. “We are pleased that this sale will deliver attractive returns for Platte River’s investors and wish them continued success. We now look to build on the strong base we created in close partnership, this time with Court Square.”

Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP served as legal counsel to Platte River, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch served as the exclusive financial advisor to PRV Aerospace.

About Platte River Ventures

Based in Denver, CO, Platte River Ventures is a private equity firm focused on investments in lower middle market operating companies with enterprise values generally between $20 million and $250 million, as well as strategic add-on investments. The firm focuses on investing in aerospace & transportation, industrial & energy services and chemicals, metals & minerals. Platte River Ventures currently manages funds with committed capital in excess of $300 million. For more information, please visit www.platteriverventures.com.

About Court Square Capital Partners

Court Square is one of the most experienced teams in the private equity industry. Since 1979, the team has made over 200 investments including several landmark transactions and has developed numerous businesses into leaders in their respective markets. Based in New York, Court Square invests in companies that have compelling growth potential. The Firm manages over $3.5 billion in aggregate capital commitments while focusing on the following four sectors: business services, general industrial, healthcare and technology/telecommunications. For more information, please refer to the Court Square website at www.courtsquare.com.

About PRV Aerospace

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Platte River Ventures Announces Sale of PRV Aerospace, LLC

THORNTON, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI – News), a developer of flexible CIGS solar panels, has been named a development partner for Bye Aerospace Inc.s innovative aircraft programs for the aerospace and defense markets.

George Bye, Chairman and CEO of Bye Aerospace, said solar energy is a key component to several of Bye Aerospaces programs. One concept currently in development, the Silent Guardian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), relies on thin film solar photovoltaics (PV), stored electric power and other technologies to enhance its potential for long endurance, quiet operations and low emissions, he said. With Ascent Solar as a development partner, our development time should improve drastically.

Victor Lee, President and CEO of Ascent Solar Technologies, said, We are pleased to partner with Bye Aerospace and look forward to furthering their development efforts with our lightweight, durable, flexible thin-film solar modules. Ascent Solars transformational technology enables renewable power generation in aircraft applications while adding minimal weight to the vehicle. We are excited to apply our technology in collaboration with Bye Aerospace to develop a new generation of UAVs.

AboutAscent Solar Technologies, Inc.

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that can transform the way solar power generation integrates into everyday life. Ascent Solar modules, which were named one of TIME Magazines 50 best inventions for 2011, can be directly incorporated into standard building materials, commercial transportation, automotive solutions, space applications, consumer electronics for portable power and durable off-grid solutions. For more information, go to www.AscentSolar.com.

AboutBye Aerospace

Bye Aerospace, founded in 2007 and headquartered near Denver, is applying clean energy solutions to innovative aircraft designs for the aerospace and defense markets. For more information, go towww.ByeAerospace.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company’s actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “expect,” “intends,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “plan,” to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s filings with theSecurities and Exchange Commission.

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Ascent Solar Named Bye Aerospace Development Partner

The U.S. is the worlds largest aerospace and defense market, and also home to the worlds largest military budget. The growth of the Aerospace and Defense industry depends largely on the spending outlook of government departments, with the U.S. defense budget being the primary driver. The industry largely depends on U.S. government contracts.

Given the uncertain macroeconomic environment, not just in the U.S. but also globally, the industry faces the risk of fewer new orders as customers are more likely to postpone or cancel contractual orders and/or payments.

Defense spending is the major source of revenue for the top nine global aerospace and defense companies, with the US accounting for more than 40% of total global defense spending. However, with the U.S. government expected to institute greater austerity in its defense budget going forward, defense companies will need to source more orders from global clients. The geostrategic significance of the industry and the related heavy export restrictions will come in the way, to some extent, of those marketing efforts by U.S.-based operators.

The U.S. defense budget for 2012 was $645.7 billion, with the base budget at $530.6 billion and $115.1 billion approved for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) as supplementary defense spending, mainly to fund ongoing wars.

In February this year, the Department of Defense (DoD) requested a Pentagon base budget of $525.4 billion for 2013, which is approximately $5.1 billion or 1% less than what is approved for fiscal 2012, with $88.5 billion earmarked for OCO spending. The significant reduction in OCO funding is mainly due to the decline of U.S. military operations in Iraq in 2011. Going forward, OCO funding is expected to continue to decline as troops redeploy out of Afghanistan.

Since the September 2001 attacks, the U.S. government has spent significant amounts on military campaigns overseas. The country has already decided to gradually move out of Afghanistan, and the war in Iraq has finally ended, which is expected to lower its expenditure on foreign campaigns. However, its clandestine military operations in other nations as part of anti-terrorism operations will continue to add to foreign war expenses. However, the overall trend in overseas military spending is unmistakably on the downtrend.

OPPORTUNITIES

Acquisition, Merger and Strategic Alliance

The big defense operators armed with a strong balance sheets are expanding their operations inorganically through acquisitions. The U.S. Defense department also endorses mergers among U.S. defense companies, provided they dont involve the top five or six suppliers acquiring each other.

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) bolstered its product portfolio by acquiring Procerus Technologies, a company specializing in autopilot and other avionics for micro unmanned aerial systems. In November 2011, it had acquired Sim-Industries B.V., a commercial aviation simulation company located in the Netherlands. This acquisition would expand both companies closely related markets and expand the customer base.

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Aerospace & Defense Stock Overview – May 2012

The U.S. is the worlds largest aerospace and defense market, and also home to the worlds largest military budget. The growth of the Aerospace and Defense industry depends largely on the spending outlook of government departments, with the U.S. defense budget being the primary driver. The industry largely depends on U.S. government contracts.

Given the uncertain macroeconomic environment, not just in the U.S. but also globally, the industry faces the risk of fewer new orders as customers are more likely to postpone or cancel contractual orders and/or payments.

Defense spending is the major source of revenue for the top nine global aerospace and defense companies, with the US accounting for more than 40% of total global defense spending. However, with the U.S. government expected to institute greater austerity in its defense budget going forward, defense companies will need to source more orders from global clients. The geostrategic significance of the industry and the related heavy export restrictions will come in the way, to some extent, of those marketing efforts by U.S.-based operators.

The U.S. defense budget for 2012 was $645.7 billion, with the base budget at $530.6 billion and $115.1 billion approved for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) as supplementary defense spending, mainly to fund ongoing wars.

In February this year, the Department of Defense (DoD) requested a Pentagon base budget of $525.4 billion for 2013, which is approximately $5.1 billion or 1% less than what is approved for fiscal 2012, with $88.5 billion earmarked for OCO spending. The significant reduction in OCO funding is mainly due to the decline of U.S. military operations in Iraq in 2011. Going forward, OCO funding is expected to continue to decline as troops redeploy out of Afghanistan.

Since the September 2001 attacks, the U.S. government has spent significant amounts on military campaigns overseas. The country has already decided to gradually move out of Afghanistan, and the war in Iraq has finally ended, which is expected to lower its expenditure on foreign campaigns. However, its clandestine military operations in other nations as part of anti-terrorism operations will continue to add to foreign war expenses. However, the overall trend in overseas military spending is unmistakably on the downtrend.

OPPORTUNITIES

Acquisition, Merger and Strategic Alliance

The big defense operators armed with a strong balance sheets are expanding their operations inorganically through acquisitions. The U.S. Defense department also endorses mergers among U.S. defense companies, provided they dont involve the top five or six suppliers acquiring each other.

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) bolstered its product portfolio by acquiring Procerus Technologies, a company specializing in autopilot and other avionics for micro unmanned aerial systems. In November 2011, it had acquired Sim-Industries B.V., a commercial aviation simulation company located in the Netherlands. This acquisition would expand both companies closely related markets and expand the customer base.

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Aerospace & Defense Stock Outlook – May 2012

CLEVELAND & GENEVA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Nextant Aerospace today announced that it has delivered its 10th production unit of the 400XT, the worlds only FAA-certified remanufactured business jet. The N registered aircraft was delivered to a private client that will operate the plane in a traditional corporate flight department environment. Nextant reached this production milestone just seven months after gaining FAA certification, and is on schedule to deliver 32 aircraft by the end of 2012.

With production fully underway, Nextant has ramped up its staff, going from 28 employees a year ago to more than 150 today. Each 400XT requires nearly 6,000 person-hours to produce because of an extensive remanufacturing process, which effectively makes it a new plane in all material aspects by taking all life-limited components to zero-time status, either through replacement or complete overhaul.

Weve been gratified by the markets recognition of the benefits achieved through our complete aircraft remanufacturing process, said Jay Heublein, vice president, sales and marketing for Nextant Aerospace. Todays business jet customers increasingly demand superior value-both in terms of acquisition cost, operating economics, performance and comfort. The 400XT is the only light jet that truly offers all of these features in one complete package.

This delivery milestone comes on the heels of Nextants recent announcement that it has acquired a larger remanufacturing facility for the 400XT. The new facility, at Clevelands Cuyahoga County Airport, will accommodate an annual production rate of 48 aircraft to meet higher than projected demand for the 400XT, both in the United States and globally. Nextants current book of orders is approaching 70 aircraft to be delivered over the next five years.

Thirty percent of sales to date have come from overseas markets, and the aircraft has completed many of the requirements for final certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is expected to further increase sales in Europe. The planes exceptional range enables flights originating in Western Europe to reach major destinations throughout the rest of Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Flights originating in the U.S. can fly nonstop to most destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Nextant 400XTs exceptional combination of value and performance including its dramatic improvements in range and best in class operating economics are making it the aircraft of choice for private aviation, added Heublein. As awareness of the 400XT grows, we are seeing increasing interest from corporate flight departments and affluent individual buyers, as well as from providers of high-end charter and fractional ownership aviation services, in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere.

The 400XT development process employs a remanufactured airframe from the Beechjet 400A/XP aircraft, enhanced with new, state-of-the-art technology including the Williams FJ44-3AP turbofan engine, the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite, advanced electronics, including high-speed wireless Internet service, and completely rebuilt interiors.

The resulting aircraft has a 2,005 nautical mile (3,713 km) range and cruising speed of 460 nautical miles per hour (740 km per hour). It supports a remarkable 30 percent reduction in operating costs over the Beechjet 400XP, fuel efficiency improvements of 20-30 percent, depending on the length of the flight segment, significantly reduced carbon emissions and noise compliance that exceeds Stage IV requirements.

The 400XT is considered to be a new type in the Aircraft Bluebook. Further options include additional avionics features, and an optional seating configuration that allows for the most leg room of any light jet in production without sacrificing seating capacity.

Excerpt from:

Nextant Aerospace Hits Delivery Milestone for 400XT Aircraft

Sylmar, CA – Testing by an independent certified laboratory has confirmed nine coatings systems by PPG Industries aerospace business, including chromate-free basecoat/clearcoat systems, meet requirements of SAE Internationals Aerospace Material Specification 3095A for airline exterior paint. The results are under SAE review to add the PPG Aerospace systems to the Qualified Products Listing.

According to Scott Cavin, PPG Aerospace global coatings marketing manager for airlines and aftermarket, the AMS 3095A standard is an important consideration for airlines when choosing exterior coating systems.

These test results confirm performance by PPG coatings systems, Cavin said. Qualification to the standard will give airlines and third-party maintenance operators the flexibility they need, especially with mixed fleets, when selecting the best systems for their applications.

These PPG chromate-free systems have passed AMS 3095A standard testing as applied over DesoGel EAP-9 pretreatment and DESOPRIME CF/CA 7502E primer:

Testing has shown a synergistic effect between the chromate-free pretreatment and primer that gives remarkable adhesion and protection for the substrates, Cavin said. When these PPG systems are listed as qualified to the standard, they will be the first to be completely chromate-free.

Two PPG coatings systems have passed AMS 3095A standard testing with P99 wash primer and chromate-free PAC33CF primer, using these PPG topcoats:

Systems including Desoprime CF/CA 7502E primer along with a conventional conversion coating and these PPG coatings have passed testing:

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer of aerospace sealants, coatings, and packaging and application systems. PPG Aerospace Transparencies is the worlds largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies.

SOURCE: PPG

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PPG Aerospace Coatings Systems Pass Aerospace Material Specification Testing

By Anna Shiryaevskaya and Andrea Rothman – Fri May 11 20:01:00 GMT 2012

Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/GettyImages

Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photographer: Alexey Druzhinin/AFP/GettyImages

President Vladimir Putins ambition to revive Russias aerospace industry will hang on one question dominating the Sukhoi Superjet crash probe in Indonesia this week: pilot or plane?

Investigators have located the remains of the 90-seat Russian-built aircraft that crashed into a mountainside on May 9 with 45 people on board. Salvage crews also spotted the flight recorder, which may offer vital clues to the cause of the crash, after the same jet had performed flawlessly on earlier flights piloted by an expert crew.

Theres a very good chance this crash wasnt related to the design of the plane, but battling negative perceptions is very difficult, said Richard Aboulafia, vice president of Teal Group in Fairfax, Virgina, an aviation consulting company.

At stake is Russias attempt to reassert itself on the global aviation scene after a two-decade absence in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The SuperJet, which carries about 100 passengers, was designed with Western partners and equipped with cutting-edge systems, as Russia seeks to win a slice of the regional jet market now dominated by incumbents Bombardier Inc (BBD/B) and Embraer SA (EMBR3) of Brazil.

The Superjet that crashed was on a promotional tour of Asian nations. The same plane had already ferried other potential customers and reporters on flights in Myanmar, Pakistan and Kazakhstan and was scheduled to move on to Laos and Vietnam. Hours earlier, Putin hailed Russian military and industrial might at a Red Square parade in Moscow to honor the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The twin-engine aircraft is the centerpiece of Putins attempt to revive a manufacturing industry that has languished since communism collapsed in 1991. The SuperJet, which Russia spent about $1.4 billion developing with an Italian partner, Rome-based Finmeccanica SpA (FNC)s Alenia Aeronautica SpA, has a range of 4,600 kilometers (2,800 miles) and comes with a price tag of $35 million, according to the manufacturer.

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Putin’s Aerospace Rebirth Ambition Hangs on SuperJet Crash Probe

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwire -05/11/12)- FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX-V: AMA) (to be updated to FLY upon TSX approval) (the “Company” or “FLYHT”) today announced it has granted incentive stock options to acquire up to 2,168,500 common shares, subject to regulatory approval, to employees, officers and directors under the stock option plan approved at the Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders on Wednesday.

“The stock option plan is an important performance incentive for FLYHT employees,” said Bill Tempany, President and CEO of FLYHT. “We feel stock options also motivate employees to increase shareholder value.”

The stock options are exercisable at an exercise price of $0.25 per share. They also feature immediate vesting and expire on December 31, 2015. A maximum of 10% of the issued and outstanding shares are reserved under the Company’s stock option plan. The options, and any common shares issued upon exercise of the stock options are subject to a four-month resale restriction.

About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.

FLYHT provides proprietary technological products and services designed to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in the airline industry. The Company has patented and commercialized three products and associated services currently marketed to airlines, manufacturers and maintenance organizations around the world. Its premier technology, AFIRS UpTime, allows airlines to monitor and manage aircraft operations anywhere, anytime, in real-time. If an aircraft encounters an emergency, FLYHT’s triggered data streaming mode, FLYHTStream, automatically streams vital data, normally secured in the black box, to designated sites on the ground in real-time. The Company has been publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange since 2003 and recently changed its trading symbol from AMA to FLY. Shareholders approved a Company name change from AeroMechanical Services Ltd. to FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. in May 2012.

AFIRS, UpTime, FLYHT, FLYHTStream and aeroQ are trademarks of FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.

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FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: AMA) Announces Issuance of Stock Options

WELLINGTON, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

B/E Aerospace (Nasdaq: BEAV – News) will make a presentation to institutional investors at the RBC Capital Markets Aerospace and Defense Investor Day in New York City on Thursday, May 17, 2012.

The presentation will begin at 8:40 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday, May 17, 2012.

A live audio broadcast of the presentation will be available by dialing 800.708.3915, no access code is necessary.

About B/E Aerospace

B/E Aerospace is the worlds leading manufacturer of aircraft cabin interior products and the worlds leading distributor of aerospace fasteners and consumables. B/E Aerospace designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of products for both commercial aircraft and business jets. B/E Aerospace manufactured products include aircraft cabin seating, lighting, oxygen, and food and beverage preparation and storage equipment. The company also provides cabin interior design, reconfiguration and passenger-to-freighter conversion services. Products for the existing aircraft fleet the aftermarket generate approximately 50 percent of sales. B/E Aerospace sells and supports its products through its own global direct sales and product support organization. For more information, visit the B/E Aerospace website at www.beaerospace.com.

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B/E Aerospace to Present at RBC Capital Markets’ Aerospace and Defense Investor Day in New York on Thursday, May 17 …

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Magellan Aerospace Corporation announced today that it has been awarded a contract with The Boeing Company for the continuation of the production of complex, hard metal structural assemblies for the Next-Generation 737, 747-8, 767, 777, and the production of such assemblies for the new 787 Dreamliner airplanes. These integrated assemblies will be manufactured and delivered from Magellan’s New York, NY and Kitchener, Ontario operating facilities beginning in 2013.

This long term contract will continue Magellan’s revenues from work for Boeing Commercial beginning in 2013 and into the next decade and provides a fundamental pillar of support to Magellan’s core commercial platform. Direct Boeing Commercial sales in 2011 contributed in excess of $80 Million Cdn. in revenue to Magellan. Magellan’s core aerostructures expertise is in the provision of complex, machined components for large commercial platforms. Boeing and Magellan have an established relationship and have benefited from working together to develop improved efficiencies using Boeing lean and value engineering tools as well as the Magellan Operating System (MOS). “We continuously find ways to improve our processes to ensure our customer’s needs are fully satisfied,” stated James Butyniec, Magellan President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Boeing contract provides a solid base of work for Magellan over the contract term. “We look forward to continuing our strong, long-term “partnership” with one of our most valued customers and are well prepared to support future program requirements as they develop,” said Daniel Zanatta, Magellan Vice President, Business Development, Marketing and Contracts.

About Magellan

Magellan Aerospace Corporation is one of the world’s most integrated and comprehensive aerospace industry suppliers. Magellan designs, engineers, and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced products for military and space markets, and complementary specialty products. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MAL.TO), with operating units throughout Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and India.

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains information and statements of a forward-looking nature and is based on assumptions as to the ongoing requirements for this customer and uncertainties as well as on management’s reasonable evaluation of future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties relating to the general economic climate that are difficult to predict, and/or are beyond the Corporation’s control. The principal risks and uncertainties can be found in the Annual Information Form dated March 25, 2012, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. A number of important factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements.

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Magellan Aerospace Announces Contract Award with Boeing

LMI Aerospace (Nasdaq: LMIA) reported earnings on May 7. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeawayFor the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), LMI Aerospace met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded and GAAP earnings per share increased.

Gross margins improved, operating margins dropped, net margins increased.

Revenue detailsLMI Aerospace booked revenue of $66.7 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see a top line of $67.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 9.6% higher than the prior-year quarter’s $60.9 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS detailsEPS came in at $0.41. The three earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.39 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.41 for Q1 were 11% higher than the prior-year quarter’s $0.37 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin detailsFor the quarter, gross margin was 24.7%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 11.1%, 50 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 7.2%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking aheadNext quarter’s average estimate for revenue is $70.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.44.

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LMI Aerospace Beats Analyst Estimates on EPS

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwire – May 10, 2012) – AeroMechanical Services Ltd. (AMA.V – News) shareholders approved a Company name change to FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (the “Company” or “FLYHT”) at the Annual General Meeting held yesterday afternoon in Calgary, AB. Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the new ticker symbol on the TSX-V will be “FLY”. It is anticipated that FLYHT will commence trading under its new symbol in the next couple days.

“The Company has been operating under the FLYHT brand name for the past five years, so the name is already established in the industry,” remarked President and CEO Bill Tempany. “We believe that the name change throughout the whole Company will have a positive outcome on our business because there will be consistency among all stakeholder groups in operations, marketing and investor relations.”

AeroMechanical Services Ltd. was formed in 1998 and began trading as “AMA” on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2003. Since that time, the Company’s business has grown and evolved. Originally, the Company sold parts, maintenance and certification services for aircraft. When the Company recognized aircraft operators needed to be better connected with their aircraft, it shifted its focus to providing real-time data and satellite communications.

In 2007, the FLYHT brand name was introduced to as a way to differentiate products and services in the marketplace and create a new image for the Company. The Company has undergone efforts to increase marketing under the name with a launch of a new website in the first quarter of 2011 and a new logo in the third quarter of 2011.

“The origin of the FLYHT name comes from the old English spelling of the word flight and was chosen as a fitting and unique title for a company in the aerospace industry,” added Mr. Tempany.

After the name change, the Company’s organizational structure and operating standards will remain the same. Over the next couple days, the updated name will appear on the TSX Venture Exchange and other trading websites. All efforts have been made to ensure a smooth transition through the change for people searching both the old and new Company name.

About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.

FLYHT provides proprietary technological products and services designed to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in the airline industry. The Company has patented and commercialized three products and associated services currently marketed to airlines, manufacturers and maintenance organizations around the world. Its premier technology, AFIRS(TM) UpTime(TM), allows airlines to monitor and manage aircraft operations anywhere, anytime, in real-time. If an aircraft encounters an emergency, FLYHT’s triggered data streaming mode, FLYHTStream(TM), automatically streams vital data, normally secured in the black box, to designated sites on the ground in real-time. The Company has been publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange since 2003 and recently changed its trading symbol from AMA to FLY. Shareholders approved a Company name change from AeroMechanical Services Ltd. to FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. in May 2012.

AFIRS, UpTime, FLYHT, FLYHTStream and aeroQ are trademarks of FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.

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AeroMechanical Services (TSX VENTURE:AMA) Name Change to FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:FLY)

TUCSON, Ariz., May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Sourcing professional, Mike Smith, recently spoke with The Offshore Group concerning his four and one half year experience developing a Mexico supply chain for a major aerospace OEM.

Over the course of the approximately thirty minute session, Smith provides a West to East, North to South geographic overview of the composition of Mexico’s rapidly developing aerospace industry that examines electronics and non-complex subassemblies in Mexicali and Baja California; aero engine parts in Guaymas, Sonora; aero structures in Chihuahua; a diversity of aerospace related activities in Monterrey; repair, maintenance and overhaul activities in Queretaro; and the emergence of Guadalajara as an area of high-tech specialization.

When visiting the site of each of Mexico’s principle aerospace manufacturing clusters, Smith took note of a young, Mexican workforce eager to acquire the skills necessary to work for companies that are taking their places in Mexico’s aerospace supply chain.

He noted that, “Mexico graduates several thousand engineers a year. They are enthusiastic young people, and are looking for the opportunity to qualify for jobs in the Mexican aerospace industry. They are signing up for industry training activities, and are continuing their studies with regard to operating machinery, assuring part quality, as well as in other areas necessary to perform in a modern manufacturing environment.”

Smith is a member of a group called IMAC (the Independent Mexico Advisory Council). Its members help small and mid-sized aerospace companies seeking to establish facilities in Mexico to support OEM activities as part of their growing supply chain efforts. IMAC assists manufacturers in finding synergies, and also provides guidance with federal, state and local government issues related to Mexico’s growing aerospace industry.

The Offshore Group is the largest provider of outsourced business support, “shelter” services in Mexico. Currently 61 businesses operate at The Offshore Group’s three Mexico manufacturing industrial parks in the State of Sonora, the city of Saltillo, Coahuila, and at the Group’s Vangtel subsidiary in Hermosillo. Vangtel offers Mexico shelter services to companies that occupy the call center, IT development and BPO markets, while the International Logistic Solutions Company (ILS) is a leading provider of supply chain services. The Offshore Group has recently initiated operations in Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara. Sign up to receive information via Offshore Group RSS Feeds.

Website: http://www.offshoregroup.com

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

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Strategic Aerospace Sourcing in Mexico Topic of Offshore Group Podcast

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Aerospace job fair set for May 16 in Everett

STAMFORD, Conn., May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — PASSUR Aerospace, Inc. (PSSR.PK), a business intelligence software and solutions company, announced the promotions of Tom White to Executive Vice President, Operations, and Renee Alter to Vice President, Airports, and the hiring of Bill Leber as Vice President, Air Traffic Innovations.

Mr. White joined the company in 2007 as a consultant and in 2008 became an employee and the Director of Air Traffic Management. He was promoted to Vice President of Air Traffic Management in 2010, and Senior Vice President of Technology and Air Traffic Management in 2011. Prior to joining the company, Mr. White spent 32 years in government service with the FAA and the U.S. Military. Between 2002 and 2007 he was a Senior Manager for the FAA in New York. Before joining the FAA, he was a U.S. Army Special Ops helicopter pilot serving with TF 160th.

Ms. Alter has over 20 years of aviation experience. She joined the company in May 2005 as Regional Sales Director. Prior to joining the company, Ms. Alter served as the Environmental Manager at the Westchester County Airport from 1999 to 2005. During that time, she successfully led the airport through the development and implementation of an Environmental Management System certified to the ISO 14001 Standard. She also holds a commercial pilot license.

Mr. Leber brings a rich aviation background to PASSUR. An airline operations expert, he has been a participant and leader in Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) development since the early 1990s. Most recently he was Research Analyst, Principal, and Senior Manager for Lockheed Martin in business development for their Collaborative ATM Practice. He has a combined 26 years of air traffic management experience at Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, including work as Chief Flight Dispatcher. Mr. Leber is a leader and active member of a number of industry groups, including the FAA’s REDAC – NAS Operations Subcommittee where he was Co-Chair of the Weather – ATM Integration Work Group. He is a former Chair of the CDM Future Concepts WG and was Co-Chair of ATA’s overall CDM effort from 2001 to 2004. Mr. Leber is also former President and Co-Founder of the Airline Dispatchers Federation, a non-union professional association.

“PASSUR’s team is its most valuable asset and I am always pleased when we can recognize talent from both within the company and from the broader industry,” said Jim Barry, PASSUR Aerospace’s President & CEO. “Tom has been instrumental in the growth and sophistication of PASSUR’s capabilities in air traffic management, and more broadly in technology design for all markets. Renee has been the leader in PASSUR’s airport market, most recently spearheading the launch of the innovative Airport Information Network. Bill is one of the most highly respected and accomplished air traffic management leaders in the industry, and will add an important new dimension to PASSUR’s long-range product planning.”

About PASSUR Aerospace

PASSUR Aerospace, Inc. is a business intelligence company that provides predictive analytics built on proprietary algorithms and the concurrent integration and simultaneous mining of multiple databases. We believe PASSUR is the industry standard in business intelligence dashboards and predictive analytics for aviation organizations. PASSUR serves dozens of airlines (including six of the top eight North American airlines, and all five of the top hub carriers), approximately 60 airport customers (including 23 of the top 30 North American airports), and approximately 200 corporate aviation customers, as well as the U.S. government, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). PASSUR’s system provides coast-to-coast coverage and is driven by proprietary, patented, business intelligence software, which is powered by a unique North American network of 155 passive radars, company owned. Supplementary, detailed coverage is also provided at 98 of the top 100 North American airports. Other PASSURs are located in Europe and Asia. Flight tracks are updated between 1 and 4.6 seconds, thereby making available a system which is user-friendly and useful for decision-making. Visit PASSUR Aerospace’s website at http://www.passur.com for updated news, products, and solutions.

The forward-looking statements in this press release relating to management’s expectations and beliefs are based on preliminary information and management assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a wide range of risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ in material respects, including those related to customer needs, budgetary constraints, competitive pressures, the success of airline trials, the profitable use of the Company’s owned PASSURs located at major airports, the Company’s maintenance of above average quality of its product and services, as well as potential regulatory changes. Further information regarding factors that could affect the Company’s results is contained in the Company’s SEC filings, including the October 31, 2011 Form 10-K and January 31, 2012 Form 10-Q.

Contact: Ron Dunsky (203) 622-4086 rondunsky@passur.com

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PASSUR Aerospace Promotes Tom White and Renee Alter and Hires Bill Leber