EADS PZL's first delivery of wing for EADS CASA C-295 aircraft
Warsaw, 22 May 2003
In summer 2001, the Polish Government and EADS CASA signed a contract for the acquisition of (8) eight EADS CASA C-295 military transport aircraft.
The EADS CASA C-295 is a last generation medium military transport aircraft powered by 2 turboprop engines from Pratt and Whitney of Canada with a rear ramp access, a payload of more than 9000 kg. and sophisticated and modern avionics from Thales. It has the best life cycle cost (LCC) in its class.
Up to date, there are 19 firm orders for C-295s, nine for the Spanish Ejército del Aire, eight for Polish Air Forces and two for Royal Jordan Air Force. It has also been selected in UAE (maritime patrol version), Brazil and Switzerland.
The final decision in Poland for purchasing the C-295 was based on three main issues. First, the fulfilment of the operational and commercial requirements of the Polish Airforces. Second, the confirmation that the bidder was willing to take part in the privatisation of the PZL Warszawa Okęcie, and finally, an industrial compensation programme really advantageous for the Polish aeronautical industry that fulfilled all the requirements of its Government.
EADS CASA included PZL in an industrial compensation scheme with an important investment in technology transfer and staff training. EADS CASA has also been investing as required to undertake present and future activities. EADS PZL is assuming a key role within the Polish aircraft industry and the initial purchase of 51 per cent of PZL by EADS CASA has been increased to 61 per cent. PZL was renamed EADS PZL after that initial 51% acquisition in October 2001 by EADS CASA.
PZL Warszawa Okęcie, now EADS PZL, is the oldest aircraft manufacturer in Poland with a 75 year tradition in the production of light aircraft and it is a key contributor to the development of the Polish aircraft industry.
At present, EADS PZL is successfully producing different parts for the C-295 that include the outer wing, electrical harnesses, ramp door, military doors, cargo door, military seats and pilot doors. Today, EADS PZL celebrates a very important milestone with the delivery of the first wing produced in Poland for the C-295.
About EADS: EADS is a global aerospace and defence company and is the world’s second largest in terms of revenues with € 29.9 billion in 2002. EADS has a workforce of more than 100,000 and is a market leader in defence technology, commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft, as well as related services. It’s family of leading brands includes the commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter, the space company Astrium and MBDA, the world’s second largest missile company. EADS is the biggest partner in the Eurofighter consortium and heads the A400M military transport aircraft programme. The company has over 70 sites in Germany, France, Great Britain, Spain and 2 in Poland. It is active in many regions worldwide, including the U.S., Russia and Asia.
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