AS IF IT WEREN'T THIRD WORLD ENOUGH....:

Russians take stake in EADS (Seattle Times, 8/30/06)

A state-owned Russian bank reportedly bought a minority stake in EADS, the parent of plane maker Airbus, jostling financial markets as analysts weighed the uncertain political impact against potential business wins for EADS in Russia.

The Moscow-based daily newspaper Vedomosti reported Tuesday that Vneshtorgbank bought between 4.5 and 4.8 percent of European Aeronautic, Defence & Space for $1 billion and is seeking a management role.

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A380 test flight canceled over technical glitch (AFP, 8/29/06)

A test flight by Airbus' problem-plagued A380 was called off in mid-flight Tuesday because of a fault with the super jumbo's landing gear controls, the company said.