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South Africa Awards Plane Contract To Airbus

South Africa Awards Plane Contract To Airbus

Airbus, a leading European aircraft manufacturer, has clinched a multi-million rand contract to manufacture parts for both military and non-military planes in South Africa, SAnews.gov.za reported.

The contract with Centurion-based Aerosud is to manufacture parts for its A400M military airplane. It is estimated that South Africa needs 300 new non-military aircraft over the next 20 years to cater for its commercial and tourist expansion on the continent.

International Co-operation Airbus Vice President Simon Ward said the tender represents incomparable potential for sustainable industrial, commercial and socioeconomic benefits.

“I am happy to re-affirm Airbus’ commitment to South Africa and its aerospace industry. Today Airbus-related work is the main contributor to the sector by value, and probably by volume in terms of the sheer number of parts manufactured here for our programmes,” Ward said.

He said they have contracted work with the local industry worth about $393 million.

Airbus – which is owned by EADS with plants in Hamburg, Toulouse, Seville and Filton near Bristol – planned to double its procurement from South Africa by 2020. Last year alone, the value of Airbus-related manufacturing in South Africa was worth around $35 million.