Finmeccanica is in discussions with a number of potential customers in South-East Asia for its tactical transports and jet trainers – including a potentially lucrative 50-plus aircraft deal with Taiwan.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Singapore air show media briefing, Giovanni Soccodato, Finmeccanica executive vice-president of strategy, business development and innovation, says negotiations with potential Spartan customers in the region have been “on going since some time” but it is “difficult to predict” if and when they will be concluded.
“They are real and they are interested, but until the sale is closed then it is not certain,” he says.
In addition, there are understood to have been early talks with Taiwan over the possible acquisition of Aermacchi M-346 trainers.
Soccodato also identifies the Philippines as a possible future customer for the M-346, assuming it first decides renew its fighter fleet.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the region’s only customer for the Italy-built trainer, with an order for 12. Its initial six aircraft are being operated from Cazaux air base in France.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com
