05 Mei 2009

Australia Signs Contract for A330 MRTT

20 Desember 2004
A-330 MRTT tanker aircraft (photo : Airliners)

EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services, and the Australian Government have signed a contract today to supply the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with a fleet of five A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport). The A330 MRTT was selected in April this year following a strong international competition.

The Australian Defence Force purchased from the EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division the world's most capable and flexible tanker transport aircraft to replace its Boeing 707 fleet. The A330 MRTT combines the undoubted qualities of the Airbus A330 aircraft family with the state-of-the-art in-flight Air Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) from EADS. Delivery of the first A330 MRTT to the Australian Forces is scheduled for 2008 and will enter service in 2009 following operational test and evaluation by the RAAF.

Following the selection of EADS as preferred bidder in April negotiations have been underway culminating in the acquisition contract being signed in Canberra, Australia on 20 December 2004. EADS Military Transport Aircraft will be prime contractor to provide the fully equipped aircraft. The first tanker will be produced in Europe with the remaining four aircraft being converted to tankers by Qantas in Australia. Qantas will also provide through life support.

“Close to 50 new jobs will be created in the acquisition stage – and another 55 in the through-life support of the aircraft,” said Brendan Roberts, EADS Australia-Pacific Chief Executive Officer. “The new jobs will be long-term and sustainable. They include design, engineering support, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, overhaul and training.

Other Australian companies such as Australian Aerospace (an EADS Company), ADI and GKN are involved in the programme.

“We are very proud of the confidence that Australia is demonstrating in EADS by this signature", declared EADS CEOs Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich. "Through this contract, we have met our objective to offer the best products and services and to become a major player in the global tanker business. "

"EADS offers the world's most modern tanker aircraft, the A330 MRTT. Its versatility and flexibility guarantee substantial cost savings for the operators. Furthermore, we aim to provide first-class logistic support by teaming with local partners", stated Francisco Fernandez Sainz, Head of EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003, EADS generated revenues of € 30.1 billion. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.

(EADS)

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