Helicopter engine maker Turbomeca has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysian maintenance, repair and overhaul firm HeliPartner engines, as it seeks to expand its presence in the country.
"The main purpose of this agreement is to improve Turbomeca's answer to the requirements of ever-expanding helicopter activity in Malaysia, mainly through offshore, military and parapublic activities," said Turbomeca.
Turbomeca, a unit of France's Safran Group, added that HeliPartner is a beneficiary of offsets associated with the Royal Malaysian Air Force's purchase of 12 Eurocopter EC725 Cougar helicopters in 2010. The EC725 is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2 engines.
Under the MoU, Turbomeca will have "financial participation" in HeliPartner, but has not provided a specific investment amount. HeliPartner supports Turbomeca engines powering helicopters operated by Malaysia's armed forces, as well as Turbomeca-powered helicopters operating in Indonesia.
Malaysia is expected to receive its first EC725s in 2012. Its air force will use the 11t helicopters in the search and rescue role.
Source: Flight International
