October 14, 2006	Saturday	Ramazan 20, 1427

PARIS, Oct 13: The European aerospace group EADS has taken full control of aircraft manufacturer Airbus, acquiring on Friday an outstanding 20 per cent stake held by British defence group BAE Systems for 2.75 billion euros.

“EADS on today acquired from BAE Systems its 20 per cent stake in Airbus for 2.75 billion euros,” a statement by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company said.

“EADS paid in cash from the existing resources of the group,” it added.

The widely-anticipated move is part of EADS strategy to exert greater control over Airbus, which has been rocked by further delays to its flagship A380 superjumbo jet programme, now two years behind schedule.—AFP