Finmeccanica is poised to make its first foray into the Libyan aviation market since UN sanctions were lifted in 2003, through a helicopter joint venture linked to an order for 10 AgustaWestland A109s.
The Italian manufacturer, its helicopter division AgustaWestland and state-owned Libyan Company for Aviation Industry have agreed to form Tripoli-based Libyan Italian Advanced Technology (LIATEC), say industry sources. Finmeccanica declines to comment.
The two Italian shareholders, which will each hold a 25% stake, are set to contribute know-how, training, technology and equipment, while Libya, which will hold the remaining 50%, is expected to invest in infrastructure, plant and local marketing activities, say the sources.
The joint venture will initially provide a boost to Libya’s aerospace industry by modernising and providing services for the country’s fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and a training centre for its aerospace personnel. Libyan engineers and technicians may also be able to improve their skills through training in Italy as part of the deal, the sources add.
LIATEC is also expected to act as a supplier of helicopters, light and medium-sized aircraft and electronics and land-based systems to Libyan operators.
In the longer term, a dedicated maintenance centre and production assembly line in Tripoli are expected to form a key part of the joint venture, with LIATEC gaining commercial rights to supply locally assembled helicopters to other African markets. Sources say it is too early to determine whether Finmeccanica will eventually transfer to Libya production capacity for products and components to be sold in other markets.
Deliveries of the A109s, which sources say will be used for border control applications, are likely to begin at the end of the year.
HELEN MASSY-BERESFORD / LONDON
Source: Flight International
