Aussie Air 87 Result. News?

Hi Lads,

Not seen much mention made of this, fairly major, decision on the boards yet. Possibly been posted before and I’ve not had my eye on the ball(?) but here it is for the edification of the crowd!

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Australia signs $1.3 billion Eurocopter Tiger ARH contract

21 December 2001

The Australian Government has formally signed a A$1.3 billion contract with Eurocopter International Pacific for 22 ‘Tiger’ Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters under Project Air 87.

The project will create up to 180 jobs in Brisbane, including 150 during the assembly phase from mid 2002 to mid 2008 and another 30 jobs from the production line. As part of the Australian industry involvement initiative,

Eurocopter will also establish a production line to produce EC120 civilian helicopters in Australia. The production line will produce between 30-50 helicopters per year for the Australian, New Zealand and Asian markets and have an annual turnover of about $50 million.

The first of the ‘Tigers’ is scheduled to enter service by the end of 2004.

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Always thought that Tiger was a nice fit for the requirement and it sounds like the Aussies have got quite a sweet little industry bonus out of the deal. Only concern I’d have would be is 22 Tigers enough?

Regards,
Steve