Airbus Defence and Space has signed a deal to sell its Rostock System Technik (RST) aerospace engineering subsidiary to Ferchau Engineering.

Headquartered in Rostock, Germany, RST serves aerospace customers worldwide with system engineering as well as product manufacturing services. It has a workforce of 150.

The company’s product portfolio comprises aircraft cabin simulators for crew training, wire harnesses and ground and test equipment.

The sale of RST is part of Airbus Defence and Space’s strategy to divest non-core activities.

"Ferchau and RST both serve their main customer Airbus with focus on premium engineering services particularly in the cabin and cargo area."

Airbus Defence and Space electronics business line head Thomas Müller said: "We have conducted an extensive selection process to ensure the best industrial set-up for further development of RST’s business.

"Ferchau and RST both serve their main customer Airbus with focus on premium engineering services particularly in the cabin and cargo area, which gives their joint activities a strong strategic baseline."

Ferchau Engineering plans to retain RST’s headquarters in Rostock and allocate lead roles in cabin engineering and a technical lead office for space and defence customers.

RST will continue to provide engineering services to Airbus Defence and Space. The transaction is subject to approval from German regulatory authorities.

In September 2014, Airbus Defence and Space announced space, military aircraft, missiles and related systems and services as its future core businesses.

Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders said at the time: "The portfolio decisions for Airbus Defence and Space are the logical follow-up to our Group Strategy Review in 2013.

‘They will foster the strengths of the division and, hence, will result in an even stronger focus on our group’s core activities, aeronautics and space."