(Finmeccanica)

287 million dollar contract by U.S. Air Force for eighteen G.222 tactical transport aircraft

06:45 GMT, October 1, 2008 ROME | A new success in the USA for Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company. Its subsidiary Alenia North America has been awarded a 287 million dollar contract by the United States Air Force for 18 refurbished G.222 tactical transport aircraft. Through the United States Air Force’s Combined Air Power Transition Force based in Kabul, the G.222s, operated until 2005 by the Italian Air Force, will be supplied to the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps (ANAAC).

The aircraft will be delivered commencing in 2009 and deliveries will continue through 2011.

The program currently includes 18 aircraft in a standardized operational configuration as well as the equipment to convert two aircraft to a VIP Transport configuration. Additionally, the program encompasses an initial spare parts inventory, ground support equipment, technical publications and contractor logistics support for a period of three years.

Pier Francesco Guarguaglini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Finmeccanica, said: “Today’s announcement is yet another signal of our Group’s growing strength in the U.S. market. It is a great honour for Finmeccanica to be entrusted with this responsibility and we are proud to support the U.S. Air Force in these critical efforts. This announcement, combined with our growing investments in the U.S.A., further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to the U.S. market.”

The United States Air Force has determined that the G.222’s capabilities for ANAAC are vital to achieving long term stability in Afghanistan. The G.222s, operated until 2005 by the Italian Air Force and the U.S. Air Force during the 1990s as the C-27A, are capable of delivering ten tons of cargo, transporting vehicles, and providing medical evacuation for 36 patients. The aircraft’s ability to perform at high altitudes makes it a well matched solution to satisfy Afghanistan’s medium transport aircraft requirement. The G.222 is known for its robust, rugged military design and its ability to operate in austere conditions from unprepared and short landing strips.