Aircraft firms to get behind major Internet sales venture - Brief Article

Airline Industry Information, March 25, 2000

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A major Internet alliance is set to be created which will involve Boeing Co, Lockheed Martin Corp, BAE Systems Plc and Raytheon Co, according to published reports.

The alliance would create the largest single Internet business-to-business venture for brokering everything from aircraft to raw materials and data services, claims Dow Jones, noting that the venture would be operated through a separate corporation. A formal announcement is said to be imminent.

Comments from the companies named in the report were not forthcoming. Indications suggest that the newly-formed company could turn over up to USD500bn per year when it is fully operational. Boeing's own web sales venture for commercial aircraft parts already generates in excess of USD400m in turnover and this venture would be integrated into the new 'super sales centre.'

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