Airbus Helicopters opens 52 million Euro worth new factory
Airbus Helicopters has opened a new factory in Romania on an investment worth 52 million Euro for the manufacturing of the twin-engine H215 helicopter the first of which is expected out of the assembly line in 2018.
2016-09-14 12:03:20
The Airbus Helicopters Industries factory is located at Ghimbav, close to the central city of Brasov, covering 10,000 square metres. The H215 hecliopter is a heavy-weight, twin-engine helicopter with outstanding performance, known for its high availability rate and competitive operating costs.
′′The first H215 helicopter 100 percent made in Romania should be out the assembly line in 2018, provided there is a significant business order for it,′′ says Airbus Helicopters Industries CEO Serge Durand.
In a press statement released this week, the factory is reportedly operational, with the equipment needed for the manufacturing and assembly of the helicopter to be progressively added. At full capacity, the Ghimbav factory will employ 350 workers, with the first employees having already started on a 12-month training programme at the Airbus factory in France.
"Airbus is dedicated to securing the professional training of the younger generation, having concluded to this end a partnership with the Transilvania Technical Collegiate High School. The first 28 students included in the programme also attended the opening ceremony of the factory. Upon graduation, they will be awarded helicopter technician and engineering diplomas,′ the statement reads.
Presiding over the opening ceremony of the Ghimbav factory were French President Francois Hollande and Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos.
"It was an honour to us to open the helicopter factory at Ghimbav in the presence of France′s president and Romania′s prime minister, because this is the beginning of a project that will hugely contribute to the development of Romania′s aeronautics industry. Airbus Helicopters has a successful 40-year history in Romania, and today′s event is a big step forward for the partnership between France and Romania,′′ said Durand.
Airbus Helicopters Romania is an EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Part 145 certified centre for overhaul and repair of the full range of Airbus Helicopters products.
EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) certified, Airbus Helicopters′ mission-proven H215-available in two different versions to meet customer requirements - is characterised by its rugged design, excellent payload lift performance, cost efficiency and demonstrated ability to operate in the world′s most austere environments, according to a presentation on the company′s website.