Aircraft
Alenia adopts new tech to build M-346 trainer
Alenia Aermacchi is stepping up the pace on the production line for its new
M-346 Master jet trainer at the Venegono Superiore factory in northern It

Alenia Aermacchi is stepping up the pace on the production line for its new
M-346 Master jet trainer at the Venegono Superiore factory in northern Italy, while also attempting to leap forward in manufacturing efficiency. Its aim is to initially produce up to 24 of the aircraft per year in a way that reduces unit costs and allows for an eventual increase in annual output to 40.

The production process currently is in a hybrid state as the company seeks to meet its commitment to deliver the first couple of aircraft to the Italian air force by year-end (with two more to follow by mid-2011). At the same time, it is setting up the permanent final assembly line.