Airbus and IAR Ghimbav signed on 6 November 2018 the final exclusive collaboration agreement for a period of 15 years, a document whose principles were established by signing an initial agreement on 24 August 2017, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday.

Under the Definitive Collaboration Agreement, IAR is the lead contractor for the H215M helicopter for any future order from the Romanian Defense Ministry intended to replace the obsolete fleet.

This understanding reflects the joint commitment of Airbus and IAR to contribute to the modernization of the multi-role helicopter fleet. The document provides for close collaboration, over the next 15 years, Airbus being the exclusive partner of IAR in the Ghimbav Aerospace Cluster, Brasov County, reads the press release.

"We have proudly supported Romania for almost 50 years, not just by assembling and maintaining helicopters, but also by investing continually and contributing to the shaping of the aeronautics industry through unique educational programmes for the young generation. We are now looking to the future through this partnership with IAR for the H215M helicopter before a decision by the Romanian Government to implement our cooperation and to deliver to the Romanian Defense Ministry a truly cost-effective multi-role helicopter produced in Romania," Olivier Michalon, Senior Vice President - Head of Europe at Airbus Helicopters said.

In his turn, the Director General of IAR Brasov also underlined that the signing of the final agreement takes the partnership between the two companies to a higher level.

"We share a rich past and we are eager to develop what we have been able to do together so far. We are glad that Airbus is a solid partner, eager to further invest in Romania. We need involvement, know-how and modern technology to develop the Romanian aeronautics and meet the requirements of the Ministry of Defense in relation to the matter of helicopters, and Airbus is here in the long term. We consider that the IAR-H215M helicopter is the best solution for the Romanian aeronautical industry, the Ministry of Defense and for other clients all over the world. IAR and Romania are looking forward to becoming helicopter manufacturers again. This contract represents a new chapter of the cooperation between France and Romania in the field of aeronautics," said Neculai Banea.

Airbus and IAR have been partners for more than 15 years within Airbus Helicopters Romania (51 percent Airbus, 49 percent IAR), a successful maintenance and repair service center for a wide range of civil and military helicopters in Romania and other countries . As much as 75 percent of Airbus Helicopters Romania's turnover is represented by export contracts. In 2016, the Airbus Helicopters Industries plant was inaugurated for the production of the H215M helicopters.

Airbus's relationship with IAR means over 50 years of successful collaboration resulting in the production of more than 360 helicopters under the Airbus license.

IAR Brasov, a state-owned company, is one of the national aeronautics leaders of Romania, specialized in the manufacture and maintenance of helicopters.AGERPRES(RO - author: Nicoleta Gherasi, editor: Andreea Marinescu; EN - author: Simona Iacob, editor: Maria Voican)