EUROCOPTER Deutschland and Letov signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 14 September, extending their co-operation to include helicopter parts manufacture.
Letov has been manufacturing components supplied by Eurocopter for the Airbus A321 airliner programme. The new agreement foresees Letov preparing airframe components "primarily" on the German-built EC.135 light helicopter, but possibly including other helicopters in the Franco-German Eurocopter range.
Eurocopter says that the Czech parts-manufacturer's production facilities, certificated for Airbus components production in 1991, have now been inspected and declared suitable for helicopter work. The agreement takes advantage of "significantly" lower production costs in the Czech Republic, and includes transfer of production know-how to Letov.
Eurocopter is pushing for further sales of its helicopter types on the Czech market - three BO.105s are now in Czech police service in Prague. The Franco-German Company says that current discussions focus on the sale of further used helicopters in the BO.105/AS.350 Ecureuil class.
Letov says that it would be in a position to perform work amounting to 100% offset on any new sale, although Eurocopter insists that production contracts to the Czech Company are not dependent on further orders.
"There are expectations, but no obligations," says Eurocopter. "This deal will run as long as we are satisfied about pricing, quality and certification."
Letov remains 44.5%-owned by Aero Holding, which formerly owned the entire Czech aerospace industry - with the remainder of its stock divided among Czech banks Konsolidacni banka, Investicni a Postovni Banka, and Ceskoslovenska Obchodni Banka.
Source: Flight International
