Airbis

Airbus Helicopters has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to jointly market Korean helicopter platforms worldwide.

Under the deal, the companies will sell Korean light civil helicopter (LCH) and light armed helicopter (LAH), and offer after-sales support services to customers.

Airbus Helicopters north Asia head Norbert Ducrot said: "Korea is one of Airbus Helicopters’ most important international customers.

"On top of this, we will co-operate to provide support and services for more than 500 locally made helicopters, which will bring tremendous benefits to both KAI and Airbus Helicopters for the next 20 to 30 years."

"We will co-operate to provide support and services for more than 500 locally made helicopters."

The MoU was signed during the visit of French president François Hollande to South Korea.

Over the next few months, a working group comprising members from both companies will work out details of the partnership.

KAI rotary wing aircraft research and development division senior vice-president Joo Kyun Kim said: "Now as we look towards the future with our new LCH / LAH programme, this collaboration is a natural next step that will enable both parties to leverage on each other’s strengths, to ensure success of these platforms in Korea and the world."

The partnership between KAI and Airbus Helicopters was established in 2006 through the signing of the Surion deal.

Surion is a twin-engine, transport utility helicopter developed by KAI, Agency for Defense Development , Korea Aerospace Research Institute and Eurocopter.

The programme costs $1.2bn and was launched in 2006.

Image: (from left) Airbus Helicopters’ north Asia head Norbert Ducrot, Airbus Group executive committee member Fabrice Brégier, KAI president Ha Sung Yong and senior vice-president Rotary Wing Aircraft R&D division, Joo Kyun Kim. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters.