French satellite provider Eutelsat Communications has awarded a contract to Orbital ATK, Inc. for the construction of a EUTELSAT 5 West B satellite.

Orbital ATK, in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, will design, build and test the EUTELSAT 5 West B spacecraft.

The new satellite, which will be built on GEOStar satellite platform, is expected to be launched in 2018.

"The new satellite, which will be built on GEOStar satellite platform, is expected to be launched in 2018."

China Southern Airlines has finalised a $3.2bn order with Boeing to purchase 12 787-9 Dreamliners.

The new aircraft will allow the carrier to strengthen its services on long-haul routes.

The airline operates a fleet of 700 aircraft including Boeing 777, 787, 757, 737 and 747s.

Safran Electrical & Power has signed a pact with WiN MS to collaborate on wiring-maintenance solutions for aircraft manufacturers and airlines.

The partnership will focus on the integration of WiN MS technologies in the products developed by Safran Electrical & Power.

Boeing has received an order from Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings to convert nine 767 airplanes to Boeing Converted Freighters.

The freighter conversion programme will extend the economic life of the 767 passenger airplanes, while expanding Atlas’ freighter operations.