Riding a crest of a wave from a bulging order book, GKN Westland has brought its biggest-ever presence to this year's show.
The GKN Westland Visitor's Centre, located behind the Boeing 777, is a demonstration of the company's new-found confidence and determination to reach a global market, says GKN Westland chiefs. At Farnborough ‘94, the company was locked in a cut-throat battle to win the UK MoD attack helicopter competition and further orders from the RAF for its EH101 support helicopter.
With these now under its belt, and with worldwide interest in the new Super Lynx warship helicopter, the company's position has turned the corner.
"With the Lynx, EH101 and Apache we have experience in the naval, utility and attack helicopter sectors," says Chris Loney, GKN Westland director of public affairs. "No one else comes close to that."
Loney welcomes recent moves by the UK MoD to support the British aviation industry. "It has an important influence on the ability of the UK industry to compete in world markets. If you are not in new programmes you slip off the technological curve.
"We are in the most secure position we have been in for many years," adds Loney. "Our presence here is an expression of confidence in our future and our commitment to the show.
"We are a British company and we think we should give our support to our home show and the SBAC. This is the first time we have exhibited under the GKN Westland name, indicating a further integration into the GKN group.
"We changed the name in January to demonstrate that we are part of GKN and GKN is part of us. Farnborough allows us to show the total capability of GKN."
The GKN Westland stand features a static EH101 anti-submarine helicopter and a Super Lynx version of the company's best-selling naval helicopter.
Source: Flight Daily News
