Airbus Helicopters and Nova Systems have signed a charter, agreeing to identify future collaborative business opportunities, improve their capabilities through the complementary application of skills, and deliver competitive solutions to the Australian aerospace sector.
This announcement builds upon Airbus’ nearly two-decade-long commitment to the Australian economy through the MRH90 Taipan and ARH Tiger programmes, which has resulted in local jobs for SMEs, export opportunities for the Australian industry, and research partnerships for local universities.
Airbus Helicopters has expanded its footprint from 230 jobs in 2002 to more than 1,300 jobs in 2020. Within the frame of the Australian Industry Capability programme, the company has invested around A$300 million through 170 separate projects for ARH Tiger and MRH90 Taipan, working with local partners such as Cablex, Ferra, Safran, Partech Systems and Thales, amongst others. The economic benefit to Australia through Airbus activities over the past five years is in excess of A$1 billion.
In speaking of the strategic partnership with Nova Systems, Andrew Mathewson, Managing Director at Airbus Australia Pacific, highlighted the importance of continuing to grow Australia’s industrial capabilities.
“Airbus’ charter with Nova Systems sets the framework for a long-term collaborative relationship that will deliver real results for Australia’s defence industry capabilities, local jobs and technology upskilling. Airbus welcomes the opportunity to work closely with innovative enterprises such as Nova Systems to ensure that we continue to deliver the best solutions to our customers.”
Nova Group Global Chief Executive Greg Hume commented on the partnership and the potential for further agreements across the globe.
“Agreements such as this provide Nova Systems the opportunity to collaborate and partner with Defence and Security companies at the leading edge of capability and technology. Nova Systems has capabilities that enable technology through our core specialisations such as test, safety and systems assurance. This partnership between Nova Systems ANZ and Airbus is a great example of a collaborative relationship providing sovereign services in support of the Australian government’s strategic and national interests.”
Under the agreement, the scope of opportunities include: equipment acquisition and support programmes, provision of engineering services and secondment of personnel.
In the spirit of co-operation, communication and commitment, the joint endeavours will consider competitiveness, value for money and best for customer outcomes, when exploring future opportunities and projects.
