South African Government Information Service, Government today signed an agreement to participate in the A400M programme with Airbus Military, the European consortium responsible for the development of the A400M multi-role military transport aircraft.
In terms of the declaration, South Africa will participate in the A400M programme in order to boost the revitalisation of the South African aerospace sector which both parties agree has the knowledge, experience and capability in aircraft design, manufacturing, support and maintenance to contribute and benefit from the programme as a whole. The programme involves the design, development, manufacture and longer-term maintenance of the airframe for the A400M military transport.
As part of successful completion South Africa will be able to take delivery of eight aircraft as the programme matures between 2010 and 2014.
“The same engineers involved in the launch of the Airbus A380 will be joined by a South African team for the design and specifications of the A400M,” said Richard Thompson CEO of Airbus.
BACKGROUND NOTES:
1. Since at least 2000, the South African Government, through the departments of Trade and Industry, Public Enterprises and Defence have been developing a strategy for the long-term development and sustainability of South Africa's high technology aerospace sector.
2. Government's Integrated Manufacturing Strategy (through the dti) and the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy (through the Department of Science and Technology) both emphasise the importance of building globally competitive capabilities in knowledge-intensive industries, of which aerospace is a prime example, if we are to grow our economic and industrial development away from resource-based industries. We have already had marked successes beyond all initial estimates in the automotive industry in this regard.
3. South Africa boasts strong engineering capabilities in the aerospace sector, which provide a solid foundation for future development. However, shifts in the global environment towards mergers and acquisitions and increased pressure on profitability of country-specific programmes have encouraged governments and the industry to contemplate multinational, long-term investments in specific, high volume contracts. The A400M Programme is the only global aviation programme of its kind, offering launch countries unequalled opportunities to participate in ways that sustain and enhance their own industrial and technological base.
4. Of critical importance to Government is the fact that the A400M programme provides the country with the opportunity to meet its growing international obligations, particularly in regard to peacekeeping and support, disaster relief and management, and a range of other civil, commercial and military missions.
5. The South African National Defence Force
