Hawker Beechcraft announced on July 9 that it “has executed an exclusivity agreement” with Superior Aviation Beijing, a Beijing-based aerospace manufacturer. Under the terms of the deal, which still requires US regulatory reviews and approvals, the Chinese company would acquire Hawker Beechcraft for $1.79 billion, making Hawker Beechcraft, headquartered in Wichita, Kan., its flagship investment. “Superior is committed to maintaining Hawker Beechcraft’s strong presence in the United States and retaining its current employee base and experienced management team, while positioning the company for future growth at home and abroad,” said Bill Boisture, Hawker Beechcraft chairman. Of note, this transaction would not include Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company, which would remain a separate entity. HBDC is currently offering its AT-6 light attack platform in the Air Force’s Light Air Support competition. If negotiations with Superior are not concluded in a timely manner, Hawker Beechcraft said it would then proceed with seeking approval of a reorganization plan it filed in US bankruptcy court on June 30 to emerge as a standalone entity with a more focused portfolio of aircraft.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.