France reassures its confidence in CN-235 aircraft of EADS CASA by signing a new contract
Madrid, 15 January 2002
The French MOD and EADS CASA have signed a new contract for the acquisition of two CASA CN-235 aircraft with an option for another three. The two aircraft will be delivered in the second half of 2002 and the additional three could be with the customer in the second half of 2003.
The French Air Force already owns fifteen CN-235 aircraft purchased in 1990 and 1996 for the "Vercors" squadron. These aircraft are in operation not only in continental France, for which EADS CASA has a contract for in-service support, but also in French territories overseas. The CN-235 has received the Military Transport Aircraft of the Year Award in France twice due to their excellent reliability and availability.
As Alberto Fernández, President of EADS CASA, has pointed out: "This is another proof of customer satisfaction with EADS CASA aircraft. This contract further strengthens the position of our company as a world leader in the segment of medium and light military transport aircraft"
This is the latest of a series of major export contracts signed by EADS CASA in the last few months that includes the acquisition by Poland of eight CASA C-295 aircraft and the FITS mission system for the Mexican CASA C-212 aircraft.
With revenues amounting to EUR 24.2 billion and a workforce of 100,000, EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company is the largest European aerospace company and the No 2 worldwide. It is active in the sectors of comercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defence technology and services. Among others, EADS holds 80 percent of Airbus, 75 procent of the space company Astrium, 100 percent of the helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter, 43 percent in the Eurofighter programme and 37,5 percent in the missile company MBDA.
For further information contact, please:
Miguel Sánchez
Eduardo Galicia
EADS CASA
Tel.: (+34) 91-585 7789
