Eurocopter and Indonesia's PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) have renewed their partnership agreement for another five years.

The companies are renewing their relationship to aid the sale of Eurocopter helicopters in Indonesia, said Henri Stell, Eurocopter vice president sales and customer relations Asia Pacific. The agreement was signed during a visit by French prime minister François Fillon to the Southeast Asian nation.

The two companies have a long history of collaboration. Since 2008 PTDI has produced airframes for the AS332 Super Puma helicopter at its Bandung factory. In the last three decades, PTDI has undertaken licensed production of the BO105 light helicopter, and Puma SA330 transport helicopter.

"Indonesia has been viewed as one of the most dynamic helicopter markets in Southeast Asia not only due to its vast land area and island archipelago, but also to the fact that there are many ageing helicopter fleets that need replacement in the coming years," said PTDI president Budi Santoso. "Together with Eurocopter, our synergy will ensure we are in a good position for these contracts when the opportunities arise."

Source: Flight International