BAE Systems and HAI Relationship Progresses

, ATHENS, Greece: Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) is set to become involved in the new-generation Hawk advanced jet trainer programme, if a Hawk contract is awarded to BAE Systems by the Hellenic Government. This understanding is reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding, signed between HAI, Greece's leading defence and aerospace business and global defence company BAE Systems. 
 
The MoU would involve HAI employees in the manufacture, supply, upgrade and through-life support of the advanced jet training system, already in service with 19 of the world's air forces. It lays the foundations for a partnership between the two companies which would see HAI become a major component supplier to Hawk AJTs produced for the global market. 
 
In announcing the agreement Mark Parkinson, BAE Systems' managing director training solutions said: “This agreement recognises the high level of skills and capabilities of the HAI workforce, with which BAE Systems has had a continuously evolving relationship since early 2006. We believe selection of the world's most successful fast jet trainer for the Hellenic Air Force would be the ideal solution for their new generation pilot training, Greek industry and the Greek economy.” 
 
“The two companies have identified a number of key aircraft components, which HAI could produce on a sole source supplier basis. The new Hawk AJT is the latest version of BAE Systems' successful jet trainer and is well positioned to capture a significant portion of the world market, estimated to be around 800 aircraft over the next 20 years. This is an excellent opportunity for us to further develop our relationship with HAI on a successful, world leading product, with benefits for both companies.” 
 
Welcoming the agreement, HAI Chief Executive Officer Tassos Philippakos, added: “Signing this MoU means that HAI and BAE Systems will combine their respective skills and capabilities in order to provide advanced services for developing, producing and delivering integrated solutions 
 
Under the terms of this MoU HAI will also become a sole source supplier for several major aircraft components. Moreover, with this cooperation, both companies will have the opportunity to expand their business activities worldwide by taking advantage of all the new financial and technological opportunities offered by this agreement”. 
 
This MoU between BAE Systems and HAI is the second such agreement signed in the last few months, following a similar MoU on BAE Systems' High Frequency Surface Wave Radar signed in November 2006. 
 
“BAE Systems has over 40 years experience of delivering mutually beneficial industrial partnerships to our customers. Our continuing relationship with HAI on a range of products and capabilities underlines our commitment to deliver long term, sustainable industrial programmes to Greece,” added Parkinson.  
 
BAE Systems is a premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded 12 billion pounds (US22 billion dollars) in 2005, excluding the Group's former interest in Airbus. 
 
Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) – Athens, Greece – is the largest defence and aerospace company in the country. HAI provides defence and aerospace services and products to the Hellenic Armed Forces, as well as to a wide range of domestic and international customers in both military and civil markets.