Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
Flybe has closed a sale and leaseback transaction with Nordic Aviation Capital for four Bombardier Q400 aircraft recently delivered new.
The value of the transaction is approximately $100-million at list prices and senior debt was provided by Export Development Canada.
Flybe currently operates a fleet of 68 aircraft, including 54 Bombardier Q400s with a further four aircraft on firm order for delivery in 2011 plus options on 12 additional aircraft; and 14 Embraer 195s in service plus options on 15 additional aircraft.
David Attenburrow, Flybe’s director of fleet planning, observed, “This is Flybe’s first new aircraft financing with NAC (our eleventh aircraft lessor) and we are delighted to have closed this important transaction. We first worked with NAC in 2007 when, as a result of acquiring BA Connect, we inherited three older Dash 8-300 turboprops leased from NAC.
“In 2009 alone we financed the deliveries of 11 new aircraft which, despite the recent challenging economic and financial climate, we are very pleased to say we financed on time and on budget.”
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.