14 Oct 2003
BAE Systems Australia reported today that the secondary phase of the industry engagement process for the AgustaWestland led AIR 9000 team has successfully concluded. The Air 9000 program aims to rationalise the Australian Defence Forces (ADFs) military helicopter fleet, including the number of helicopter types and their support arrangements. The team has offered the EH101 as the new additional troop-lift helicopter and for the eventual retirement of the Army Blackhawk fleet.
Completing a three week long program of supplier conferences and bi-lateral discussions designed to enhance, co-ordinate and maximise synergies across Australias military air support industry base, the company announced that over 150 small to medium enterprises (SME) had formally registered as potential key supply chain participants.
Speaking from the Adelaide headquarters of BAE Systems Australia, spokesman Patrick Stringer said, Innovation is one of the key drivers of economic growth. We have taken an extremely strategic approach to our AIR 9000 industry package and will invest in high leverage technologies such as software development and electronics. The know-how and intellectual property is created in Australia and remains ours to exploit internationally.
The supplier conference process was aimed at aligning and matching SMEs with the industry initiatives offered to the federal government in the AgustaWestland AIR 9000 bid.
Small business has accounted for 70 per cent of jobs growth in the Australian economy over the past decade and contributes about 30 per cent to GDP. Our conferences were aimed specifically at small and regional business and we have 150 potential new entrants into the global Aerospace economy.
This is in line with the key industry outcomes sought by government under AIR 9000, including greater co-ordination and efficiencies within the Aerospace industry sector and as a result greater global supply chain access.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
In Australia, the company employs 2,500 people, supports customers at more than 50 locations across the country and has its centre of operations in Adelaide. BAE Systems is a leader in engineering and systems integration and is a major supplier of support services, electronics and software.
About Customer Solutions & Support:
Customer Solutions & Support employs over 12,000 people at 30 locations and provides through-life support and services across the air, sea and land sectors. We carry out upgrades, maintenance, repair and overhaul of military aircraft and naval vessels.
We support our customers' capability in areas such as training; facilities management; spares and repairs; technical information services; manpower services; and supply chain and logistics management. Our skills are deployed in managing support and services programmes worldwide including a broad range of contracts in Australia and the key Saudi Arabian Al Yamamah programme. CS&S is also working closely with the UK Ministry of Defence to reduce the cost of support and training - without compromising front-line efficiency.
