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.
AirTran Airways has reported its traffic figures for February.
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) during the month totalled 1,294,743,000, a 5.4% increase compared with February 2009’s 1,228,788,000. Available seat miles (ASMs) were up by 4.2% at 1,724,510,000 from 1,655,527,000 in the same month last year.
The load factor in February was 75.1%, 0.9 percentage points up on last February’s 74.2%. The airline carried 1,628,794 passengers compared with 1,623,030 in the same period last year, a 0.4% increase.
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.