The deal comes on the eve of the African Aerospace and Defence Expo, the biggest showcase of aviation technologies in Africa, and will allow the two local manufacturers to bid for more work on Airbus's commercial airliner programmes.
Denel and Aerosud have worked with Airbus in the manufacture and supply of major components for the A400M, a turboprop military transport aircraft. The two will no longer be competing for scarce work, but will work together to bid for larger contracts. Denel specialises in the production of bigger aircraft parts, and Aerosud manufactures smaller components in larger volumes.
Airbus has transferred R4bn in work packages and research projects since it began its collaboration with SA in 2005.
"This new approach is in line with the National Development Plan, and further supports Denel's business strategy as it opens the door for us to participate on the world's most modern and successful commercial airliners, while at the same time reducing our dependency on military programmes," Denel Aerostructures' Chief Executive Ismail Dockrat said.
"The partnership underscores the value, talent and capabilities of SA's aerospace industry, and the Denel Aerostructures and Aerosud collaboration gives SA a crucial opportunity to reduce its dependency on military aerospace," said Department of Public Enterprises Deputy Director-General for Manufacturing Enterprises Kgathatso Tlhakudi.
Airbus vice-president for international co-operation, Simon Ward, said the agreement would bolster the South African government's strategy to develop a vibrant and strong indigenous aerospace industry.
Source: Business Day via I-Net Bridge
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