Airbus Military Signs Agreement With First Export Nation
Toulouse, 15 December 2004
Following an initial declaration made on December 9th this year, the South African government has today signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) with Airbus Military which will lead to participation by South Africa in the A400M military transport aircraft programme and is worth at least 750 million Euros.
The DOI, signed in Pretoria by South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Mosiuoa Gerard P. Lekota and Francisco Fernández-Sáinz, Managing Director of Airbus Military, is the first commitment for the A400M from a country outside the existing group of seven European launch nations.
Subject to a detailed contract to be signed early next year, the agreement provides for South Africa to become a programme partner in the A400M. To this effect, South African industry will receive high-value work packages from Airbus Military and thus become a key participant throughout the life of the programme.
“We are most honoured by this demonstration of confidence,” said Francisco Fernández-Sáinz during the signature ceremony. “We believe this to be a win-win situation for all concerned. Airbus Military will gain a valued partner and South Africa will benefit not only from a new and highly capable airlifter for the Defence Force but from the thousands of jobs that will be created during the life of the programme.”
The A400M will enable South Africa to upgrade its airlift capability for both humanitarian and peace-keeping activities and assist the country in strengthening its aeronautical industry.
The A400M, 180 examples of which were ordered in May 2003 by seven European NATO nations, will first fly in 2008 with deliveries beginning from 2009.
For further information please contact:
Alasdair Reynolds
AIRBUS Military
Head of Communications
Tel.: +33 (0)5 61 93 39 86
http://www.airbusmilitary.com
mailto: alasdair.reynolds@airbus.com
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
