U.S. rocket maker Alliant Techsystems <ATK.N> aims to expand in space systems, advanced weapons and electronics but is shunning big acquisitions after its bid for a Canadian defense business failed.

By Tim Hepher

Major business events and economic events scheduled for the coming week (some dates are tentative):

Boeing Co. machinists voted overwhelmingly for a preliminary strike authorization in a show of support for union negotiators in contact talks with the aerospace giant.

Airline manufacturers are trying to bolster their green credentials by playing down the importance of speed and lauding initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of flying, as well as the cost.

A $40 billion spree by Gulf oil states prevented aircraft orders from going into freefall at this week's Farnborough Airshow but left little for Airbus and Boeing to scrap over for the rest of the year.

By Tim Hepher and Rhys Jones

Boeing Co <BA.N> is confident it will not face mass cancellations of plane orders from the world's airlines, even as they come under massive strain from soaring oil prices, hard on the heels of the biggest buying spree in the industry's history.

By Bill Rigby

European plane maker Airbus emerged as the clear winner at the Farnborough International Airshow on Thursday after racking up plane orders dwarfing the deals done by U.S. rival Boeing Co.

A device to prevent airplane fuel tanks from exploding must be installed on certain passenger jets and cargo planes, federal officials said, 12 years after such an explosion destroyed TWA Flight 800, killing all 230 people aboard.

Shares of Precision Castparts Corp., which makes metal components for aerospace markets, rose Wednesday with the broader market as oil prices continued to fall and a stream of new aircraft orders was announced.

Leasing company Aviation Capital Group says it has ordered 15 next-generation Boeing 737-700s.

Malaysia Airlines revealed an order for 35 Boeing Co. next-generation 737-800s, valued at more than $2.6 billion at list prices, on Wednesday.

Plane makers and airlines meeting here for the world's largest air show pledged Wednesday to improve efficiency in the global aviation industry to reduce its contribution to global warming.