Andrew Doyle/MUNICH
Eurocopter is to set up a joint venture with IAR Brasov, the Romanian state aerospace company, in a move that could lead to the re-establishment of licensed production in Romania of the manufacturer's helicopters.
The deal, signed by state-owned IAR's president Neculai Banea and EADS subsidiary Eurocopter's vice president Siegfried Sobotta, calls for "Eurocopter Romania" to begin operations by mid-year. The two failed to respond to requests for details of the venture's proposed ownership structure.
Eurocopter Romania will focus on selling the complete range of Eurocopter products in Romania, "manufacturing activities" on light twin-engined helicopters, subcontracting on the Puma and Alouette programmes, helicopter upgrades and the provision of maintenance services.
The joint venture will aim to satisfy the need for "renewal and support" of Romania's helicopter fleet, says Eurocopter. It adds: "Another goal will be to integrate and develop the industrial activities and skills of IAR within the framework of a global strategy."
IAR has produced and marketed more than 350 Eurocopter helicopters under licence, starting with the Alouette III in 1970 and the Puma in 1974, but it has struggled as Romania grapples with economic reform. One recent achievement was the development of a modernised version of the Puma - dubbed the Socat - for the Romanian defence ministry.
Bucharest has tried to sell its 70% stake in IAR before, culminating in Eurocopter's failure last April to meet the latest offer deadline, despite being the only bidder. Bell Helicopter Textron dropped out following delays in the privatisation, abandoning plans for IAR to licence-build up to 96 AH-1RO "Dracula" attack helicopters.
In December, IAR was split into three, separating the Elicoptere aerospace business from non-core activities.
Source: Flight International
