Columbus’ AE changes name to Airbus Helicopters

European Aeronautic Defence and Space [EADS] has changed its name to Airbus Group and will integrate its Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military businesses. The name change also affects its American Eurocopter assembly facility at Columbus, Miss. It is now know as Airbus Helicopters. Additionally, Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas, will replace Sean O'Keefe as CEO of Airbus Group Inc., the company's North American unit on March 1. McArtor will be a member of the Airbus Group Executive Committee, the company's top decision-making body. (Source: Airbus Group, Jan. 7, 2014. Previous McArtor.) [Gulf Coast Note: Airbus is building an A320 final assembly line in Mobile, Ala., where it also has an engineering center.]