South Africa is entering the jetliner business following a deal by Denel to manufacture components for the British Aerospace RJ airliner. The two companies have signed a letter of intent under which Denel Aviation will deliver rudders and ailerons to BAe Regional in the UK.
Covering 18 sets a year, the deal extends for the lifetime of the Avro RJ programme, including the RJX derivative family of aircraft due for entry into service in July 2001.
Outlook
The agreement is worth $10.5 million based on the most conservative market outlook of 150 new aircraft over the next nine years.
BAe will transfer advanced technology, the most significant being metal-to-metal bonding, new synthetic composite aero structures and non-destructive testing techniques.
Source: Flight Daily News
