Boeing Australia and AgustaWestland have teamed to bid for Australia's Air 9000 Phase 7 helicopter training programme. The partnership is one of several expected to compete for the new Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), with the request for tender expected later this year.
HATS combines Australian army and navy helicopter training in a move to introduce more integrated training across the services. The A$500-700 million ($470-660 million) programme will deliver common helicopter flying training before army and navy aircrew proceed to specialised single-service tactical training.
Boeing Australia president David Withers says the partners will offer a low-risk training system including AgustaWestland's AW109 light utility helicopter. Boeing Australia is currently responsible for army helicopter pilot and maintainer training, which will transition to HATS.
The HATS RFT is expected in August-September, contract signature in late 2010, initial training from 2012 and full capability by 2014. A feasibility study on whether the project is suitable for a public-private partnership has been completed, and a recommendation made to the government.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
