Airbus continuing to source A400M parts from SA
The Military Aircraft division of Airbus Defence & Space (previously known as Airbus Military) is set to maintain its links with the South African aerospace industry. “Airbus remains com- mitted to the South African industry,” Military Aircraft division head of commercial Antonio Rodriguez Barberan told Engineering News in Seville, Spain, last week.
South African companies Denel Aerostructures and Aerosud manu- facture important components for the Airbus A400M strategic transport aircraft. He did, however, caution that his company retained its freedom of decision. “If South Africa wants to remain a leader at regional level, it needs to purchase strategic transports, in my opinion,” he said.
In answer to a question from Engineering News following his presentation at the company’s annual Trade Media Briefing, he pointed out: “We have maintained production of A400M parts in South Africa, despite the contract cancellation.” (South Africa once had eight A400Ms on order, but subsequently cancelled them, owing to delays in the programme and ostensibly on grounds of cost.)
“We want to be back in South Africa,” he affirmed. “We know there is a need [in South Africa] for mari- time patrol, for transport – strategic and tactical. [Actually, w]e are there. We are helping maintain legacy C212s [operated by the South African Air Force]. “It’s very difficult to maintain such old aircraft.” He reported that talks with Pretoria about new aircraft had slowed down in the run-up to the recent elections.
In his presentation, Barberan highlighted his company’s commitment to cooperation with local industries around the world. “We are an extremely reliable industrial partner for countries around the world. We have demonstrated this. We have done it in Canada, Chile, Indonesia. It is part of our strategy. We are partners wherever we go.”
• Campbell attended the annual Trade Media Briefing as a guest of the company.
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