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 http://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.

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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 http://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 http://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

ST. LOUIS, May 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LMI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq:LMIA - News), a leading provider of design engineering services, structural assemblies, kits and components to the aerospace, defense and technology markets, announced today it will present at the Oppenheimer & Company Seventh Annual Industrials Conference to be held at the InterContinental in New York City, May 15 and 16, 2012.

LMI Chief Executive Officer Ronald S. Saks will present for the company on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, from 1:20 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. Eastern Time with accompanying slides. The presentation can be accessed live via the web by using http://www.veracast.com/webcasts/opco/industrials2012/06208296.cfm. A recording of the webcast and presentation slides will be available by accessing the LMI Aerospace Investors Relations page at http://ir.lmiaerospace.com and will remain posted for 90 days.

LMI Aerospace, Inc. is a leading provider of design engineering services and supplier of structural assemblies, kits and components to the aerospace, defense and technology markets. Through its Aerostructures segment, the company primarily fabricates, machines, finishes, integrates, assembles and kits formed close tolerance aluminum and specialty alloy and composite components and higher level assemblies for use by the aerospace, defense and technology industries. It manufactures more than 30,000 products for integration into a variety of aircraft platforms manufactured by leading original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 aerospace suppliers. Through its Engineering Services segment, operated by its D3 Technologies, Inc. subsidiary, the company provides a complete range of design, engineering and program management services, supporting aircraft product lifecycles from conceptual design, analysis and certification through production support, fleet support and service life extensions via a complete turnkey engineering solution.

The LMI Aerospace, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4971

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LMI Aerospace to Present at the Oppenheimer & Company Seventh Annual Industrials Conference

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Midday Glance: Aerospace companies

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May 04, 2012 18:29 PM

Aerospace Park To Be Set Up In Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI, May 4 (Bernama) -- An Integrated Aerospace Park which will support the development of aerospace industry will be set up in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

In a bid to support the booming aviation industry in the state, the government is planning to establish the hi-tech park in a 50-acres land near the airport here, Press Trust of India reported.

"The park will be set up with the aim of supporting the development of aerospace industry covering design, engineering, manufacturing, servicing and maintenance of aircraft in Tamil Nadu," according to a 2012-13 policy note tabled in the Assembly.

At the same time, the government also proposed to develop a components manufacturing park for aerospace industry on a 300-acre area in Sriperumbudur near here.

"The land is being acquired by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT)," the government said.

The government will also announce the formulation of Tamil Nadu Aerospace Policy 2012 soon.

-- BERNAMA

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Aerospace Park To Be Set Up In Tamil Nadu

DALLAS, May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Blackland Aerospace, LP, the aerospace component manufacturing platform of Dallas based private equity firm, Blackland Group, LLC, has acquired Lewis Machine Company. Lewis Machine, based in East Hartford, Connecticut, specializes in manufacturing complex precision-machined components for clients in the commercial and military jet engine, airframe, missile and power plant industries. Lewis supplies engine components for most major U.S. fighter platforms, including the F-15, F-16, F-22 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. They also make engine components for most commercial airliners including Boeing 737, 747, 767 and 777 and Airbus A320, A330 and A380. Lewis Machine was represented by Lyons Solutions, LLC.

"Blackland has an excellent track record with operational improvements, dating back to the days of George Group Consulting. Using Lean Six Sigma principles to improve quality, lead time, and on-time delivery, our focus on increasing competitiveness to grow businesses will help us take Lewis Machine to the next level," said Gary Aicher, CEO, Blackland Aerospace.

Mike George, Blackland Group's President, stated, "This is the third acquisition in fourteen months for Blackland Aerospace, reaffirming our commitment to building a leading platform in the sector. Lewis Machine is an excellent addition to our portfolio, with 50 years of history manufacturing highly differentiated jet engine components."

About Blackland Aerospace, LP

Blackland Aerospace is an aerospace component manufacturing company focused on aircraft wheel & brake and jet engine components. In addition to Lewis Machine, Blackland Aerospace owns two other component manufacturers, Kessington and Prikos & Becker. Kessington is a manufacturer of small, extremely close tolerance components used in critical aerospace applications (engines, landing gear, wheel and brake) located in Elkhart, Indiana. Prikos & Becker, is a Skokie, Illinois based manufacturer, specializing in intricate assemblies requiring metal fabrications (stamping, forming, laser cutting, machining, spot welding and laser welding), with a particular expertise in manufacturing landing gear heat shields.

About Blackland Group, LLC

Blackland Group, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in middle market and lower middle market buyout transactions. The firm seeks to invest in aerospace, defense and differentiated niche manufacturers. The firm prefers to invest in the Continental United States. It typically invests in companies with annual revenue between $10 million and $50 million, with a minimum EBITDA of $2 million. The firm prefers to take a controlling interest in its portfolio companies and may co-invest with strategic partners and management. Blackland Group, LLC is based in Dallas, Texas.

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Michael L. George

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Blackland Aerospace Acquires Lewis Machine Company

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. & GOA, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Kaman Aerospace Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation (NYSE: KAMN - News) and Kineco Private Limited today announced that they have entered into an agreement to form a manufacturing company in India. The venture will be based in Goa and will manufacture advanced composite structures for aerospace, medical and other industries.

Gregory L. Steiner, President of Kaman Aerospace Group, commented, This is a further step in our Groups strategy for our composites business. Kineco brings strong local knowledge and business relationships and when combined with our international customer base we anticipate major opportunities in both commercial and defense applications.

Shekhar Sardessai, Chairman and Managing Director of Kineco Private Limited commented, This venture is an excellent strategic development for both parties, and will allow Kineco and Kaman to accelerate their growth plans and enable us to participate in the global market, including offset opportunities arising from major defense spending by the Indian government. We are excited at Kineco to be joining forces with a substantial and well respected international partner in Kaman and we are looking forward to achieving significant strategic benefits from this combination, which will allow us to better serve our customers growing needs.

The new company, to be known as Kineco Kaman Composites - India will initially be constituted from Kinecos existing Goa manufacturing facility, which employs approximately 150 people and already produces complex composite structures utilizing the latest carbon material and autoclave curing technology. This facility and the capabilities of both partners will form a solid foundation for future growth. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed and completion is subject to due diligence.

About Kaman Aerospace Group

Kaman Aerospace Group is a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN - News). The company produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex metallic and composite aerostructures for commercial, military and general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft; aerostructure engineering design analysis and FAA certification services; safe and arm solutions for missile and bomb systems for the U.S. and allied militaries; subcontract helicopter work; and support for the companys SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters. Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts business in the aerospace and industrial distribution markets. More information is available at http://www.kaman.com.

About Kineco Private Limited

Kineco is a first generation entrepreneurial company founded by Mr. Shekhar Sardessai and was incorporated in 1994 and currently employs more than 150 people. It is a one of Indias leading composites manufacturing companies with a strong presence and focus on the aerospace and defence industry. Kineco as a company has a legacy of innovation, development and commercialization of composite products. It has two operational facilities with total manufacturing space of 150,000 square feet. The company caters to a wide range of industries such as, railways, aerospace, defense, mass transportation, process, and marine.

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Kaman and Kineco Announce Agreement to Form a Joint Venture in India

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