Foreign investments in Romania
Airbus and IAR Ghimbav sign contract for the manufacture of the H215M helicopter in Romania.
Roxana Vasile, 08.11.2018, 13:05
The European company Airbus, a world leader in
aeronautics and space services, and the Romanian company IAR Ghimbav, one of
the local leaders in the aeronautic sector, have signed a 15-year long
exclusive collaboration agreement. IAR thus becomes Airbus’ exclusive partner
for the manufacturing, in Romania, of the two-engine, multirole IAR-H215M
helicopter. IAR will also be the main contractor for any future order from the
ministry of defence aimed at replacing its aging fleet.
A versatile aircraft developed based on Puma’s
experience, H215M benefits from latest-generation avionics, four-axis autopilot
and a cockpit made entirely of glass and is suited to utilitarian missions in
extreme conditions and in battlefield. H215M, which is the military version of
H215, stands out for its robustness, competitive operation and maintenance
costs, and the possibility to be equipped, depending on preferences, with
ground-attack systems and air support missions. It is fitted with self-sealing
fuel tanks, and has impact resistance and armoured protection. Enhanced
attention is given to the pilot and co-pilot, who have impact resistant chairs,
suitable in case of a crash or forced landing. Last but not least, H215M can
carry up to 24 combat-ready soldiers, 6 wounded people on stretchers or 10
wounded, as well as medical staff.
A historical cooperation is thus born between Airbus
and IAR, said IAR’s general manager Neculai Banea at the signing of the
contract. Olivier Michalon, senior vice-president for Europe of Airbus
Helicopters, said his company’s partnership with IAR in fact began a long time
ago. For almost 50 years, he said, Airbus has supported the Romanian company
not just by providing helicopter assembly and maintenance services, but also by
constantly investing in and contributing to the progress of the aeronautic
industry through unique educational programmes for the young generation. It is
now the time for the two companies to look to the future with this new
partnership on the manufacturing of the H215M helicopter.
More good news comes from Craiova, in the south, from
Ford. The American car maker is planning to employ 1,700 new staff to work on
its new model. No details are as yet available about the new car or when its
production begins. We do know, however, that the new employees, recruited from the
surrounding area, will benefit from training courses in Romania and abroad.
Ford last time hired 1,700 new staff to start production on its EcoSport model.
