Aerospace

Airbus pays 15.9 mn euros to close French corruption probe

Airbus CEO Expresses Concern Over Boeing's Ongoing Technical Issues

In order to avoid a corruption investigation into aircraft purchases in Kazakhstan and Libya between 2006 and 2011, a French judge on Wednesday allowed European aerospace firm Airbus to pay 15.9 million euros.

The payment was “reasonable and appropriate,” according to prosecutors from France’s national financial crime unit (PNF), who reached a settlement with Airbus earlier this month. They had previously emphasised the “repeated nature of corrupt operations” by the massive plane manufacturer, but they said that the company had cooperated on the “dated” allegations.

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According to Airbus release the Convention Judiciaire d’Intérêt Public (CJIP) between Airbus SE and the French Parquet National Financier, which was signed on November 17, 2022, has been accepted by the President of the Tribunal Judiciaire of Paris (PNF). This CJIP covers past matters, particularly those involving Libya and Kazakhstan, that involved the use of intermediaries in sales activities conducted before 2012. Due to procedural limitations, these couldn’t be addressed at the same time as the 2020 CJIP.

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According to the CJIP approved on 30 November, Airbus will have to pay a fine of 15,856,044 Euros. There is no monitorship obligation associated with this new CJIP. This CJIP will have no adverse impact on the 2020 settlements reached with the French, UK and US authorities in the context of their compliance investigations into Airbus.

The Company has taken significant steps since 2016 to reform itself by implementing a benchmark compliance system underpinned by an unwavering commitment to integrity and continuous improvement.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.