AEROSPACE

De Havilland Sale Blocked: Boeing Co.’s attempt to shed its money-losing commuter aircraft division was shot down by the European Community. Boeing agreed in May to sell its De Havilland aircraft unit to Italy’s Alenia e Selenia and Aerospatiale of France, partners in GIE Avions de Transport Regional, for an estimated $200 million. The deal would create a “powerful and unassailable dominant position in the market for turbo-prop commuter aircraft,” Sir Leon Brittan, EC competition commissioner, said in Brussels. A Boeing spokesman said executives were awaiting a written copy of the decision “so we can figure out what our options are.” Terms of the deal were withheld.