Alenia Aeronautica, the largest Italian aerospace company, is at Dubai 2003 with a host of strong prospects in the region.
On its stand (East Hall – E200) Alenia is showing models of its C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and the ATR 42MP maritime patrol aircraft, derived from the ATR 42 regional transport.
The Italians have been on a tour of the region and have identified a number of major opportunities in Gulf Cooperation Council member states Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, the Royal Saudi Air Force is renewing its fleet of military transport aircraft with the purchase of 15 aircraft between 2003 and 2005. Alenia Aeronautica participated in the assessment process and the C-27J made a flight test tour about two years ago. That mission, carried out in a high temperature environment, demonstrated the sturdiness of the C-27J, since all on-board systems from propulsion to air-conditioning and cooling equipment were tested in critical conditions.
The UAE has also shown interest in the C-27J to integrate with or replace the current fleet of military transport aircraft (Lockheed C-130 Hercules and IPTN CN-235) for use as a troop carrier and to move equipment and material within the scope of the recent GCC military collaboration agreement.
Alenia has proposed the ATR 72ASW (anti-submarine warfare) to the UAE navy. This is a new version, derived form the ATR 72-500, created for the requirement of a medium range and low cost aircraft capable of ASW missions.
Oman is also interested in replacements for its current military transport fleet. The C-27J attracted "remarkable" interest among the top command of the Omani air force during a tour last year, say the Italians. The Omanis say acquisition of maritime patrol aircraft is a top priority.
Meanwhile, in Qatar, the Emiri air force is interested in a medium capability military transport aircraft. Alenia has made several presentations, both with the G-222 and the C-27J. The latter in particular attracted strong interest from the Qatar military air force and to the defence chief of staff.
Source: Flight Daily News
