Airlines

Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Capital finalise acquisition of Aubert & Duval

Airbus CEO Expresses Concern Over Boeing's Ongoing Technical Issues

The holding company that is jointly held by Airbus, Safran, and Tikehau Capital has completed the purchase of Aubert & Duval from Eramet.

For high-precision clients, including the aerospace, defense, nuclear, and medical industries, Aubert & Duval is a vital supplier of essential components and materials. The company employs 3,700 employees, the majority of whom are from France, and has yearly revenues of over €550 million. The aerospace, transportation, energy, defense, and medical industries depend on its cutting-edge knowledge of specialty steels and superalloys as well as its more recent acquisition of titanium expertise.

“The purchase of Aubert & Duval illustrates the accelerating speed of change and consolidation in the aerospace industry. Tikehau Capital is proud to work with Airbus and Safran to support the company’s turnaround and the expansion of its industrial capabilities.

This operation is the most recent in a string of initiatives over the past few years to support and strengthen France’s aerospace industry, including the Ace Aéro Partenaires Investment Fund established in 2020 and managed by alternative asset management company Tikehau Capital with support from the French government, which retains a golden share in Aubert & Duval Company to safeguard its strategic interests.

Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.