Airbus helos looking overseas

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Airbus Group CEO Allan McArtor, speaking prior to an event here last week at its Airbus Helicopters production plant marking the delivery of the 300th UH-72 Lakota helicopter to the U.S. Army, said the company is also looking for opportunities overseas. Among those opportunities is seeking to replace some foreign government’s UH-1 Huey helicopter fleets with the Lakota which could push 600 more helos through the Columbus plant. So far, AH has landed only a six-helicopter deal with the Royal Thai Army worth about $77 million. AG also could play a role in the emerging micro satellites and cyber-aviation markets. The U.S. Army recently decided to buy 100 more Lakotas, for pilot training at Fort Rucker, Ala., in support of its aviation restructuring plan. Part of this move will allow AG to divest its contractor-support logistics work on the helicopters. That contract at Fort Rucker expires at the close of 2015 and should save the Army 5-to-10 percent on costs. All 100 Lakotas are to be moved to Fort Rucker by 2019. (Source: Defense News, 05/18/14)