BAE Systems, EADS in merger talks to create $100bn turnover business

EADS, the Airbus and Eurocopter parent, is in talks with defence manufacturer BAE Systems over a possible merger that would create the world's largest aerospace and defence company with an annual turnover of almost $100 billion.

In a joint statement released to the London Stock Exchange, BAE confirmed that discussions between the two manufacturers were under way.

If the merger goes ahead, the firms' combined annual turnover would be $95.8 billion, based on their 2011 figures, with around $74 billion generated by aerospace operations. This would dwarf EADS's chief rival Boeing, which recorded turnover of $68.7 billion in 2011.

The merger would give EADS a long-sought foothold in the US defence market. Since beginning to shift the centre of gravity of its business stateside in the 2000s, BAE has become one of the Pentagon’s biggest contractors.

Air Berlin to join Oneworld on 20 March

Air Berlin will become a full member of Oneworld on 20 March.

In addition, Air Berlin group member Niki will join Oneworld as an affiliate member on the same date.

British Airways sponsored Air Berlin's entry into the alliance, along with the Oneworld central team. Air Berlin received approval to join the alliance after successfully completing a thorough review of its readiness, conducted by British Airways.

Air Berlin's membership will add almost 70 destinations to the alliance's map, extending Oneworld's global coverage to around 840 destinations in 150 countries, said the airline.