Hawker Beechcraft last month reported increased orders, improved sales and higher earnings during the second quarter versus the same period last year. Net bookings for the quarter totaled $1.7 billion, resulting in a new record backlog of $7.4 billion, and second-quarter revenues increased by $327.6 million year-over-year to $1.02 billion. Meanwhile, 90 percent of the unionized aircraft assembly workers rejected a new contract and went on strike August 4. While the company said the proposed contract was “fair and equitable” and the “best offer made to employees in 20 years,” the unions representing the workers say it fell short in both pay and benefits. At press time the workers were still on strike.