Will Buy Vought's Interest In Alenia

Amid calls from both its unions and its customers to get a grip on supply chain issues, Boeing says it has agreed to acquire Vought Aircraft Industries' interest in South Carolina-based Global Aeronautica LLC, which makes fuselage subassemblies for the 787.

Boeing said it hopes the move will enable it to overcome production problems that have delayed the delivery of the first aircraft by about a year. Boeing announced several days ago that customers would get an updated delivery schedule near the end of the first quarter, but so far, has said nothing.

Thompson Financial reports Japan's All Nippon Airways, originally due to begin receiving its 787s this May, will probably have to wait now till early 2009.

Under the terms of the deal announced Friday, Boeing said Global Aeronautica would become a 50/50 joint venture between Boeing and Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Italy's Alenia Aeronautica.

The company added that Vought, which is part of Dallas-based Carlyle Group, would continue to produce the aft fuselage for the 787 at its site near Global Aeronautica in North Charleston.

Boeing said the deal, terms of which were undisclosed, would close following receipt of regulatory approvals and would not affect its current financial guidance.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.vought.com, www.alenia-aeronautica.it/