Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) agreed in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly market Korean helicopter platforms for the worldwide market, Airbus said Nov. 4.
The collaboration is set to include the distribution and performance of comprehensive after-sales support services for the Korean Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH).
The agreement comes after Airbus was selected by the South Korean government earlier in 2015 to join with KAI to develop the LCH and LAH (Defense Daily, March 16). Both helicopters are based on the Airbus Helicopters H155 (formerly EC155) rotorcraft in the Dauphin family
The MoU was signed in Seoul, South Korea on Nov. 4 during French President François Hollande’s visit.
Dr. Joo Kyun Kim, KAI’s senior vice president & general manager of rotary wing aircraft research & development division, and Norbert Ducrot, Airbus Helicopters’ head of north Asia, signed the document. KAI President and CEO Ha Sung Yong and Airbus Group Executive Committee member Fabrice Brégier attended as witnesses.
“We have enjoyed great success in cooperation programs with Airbus Helicopters, with the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) program being a prime example. Now as we look towards the future with our new LCH/LAH program, this collaboration is a natural next step that will enable both parties to leverage on each other’s strengths, to ensure success of these platforms in Korea and the world,” said Dr. Kim said in a statement
A working group composed of members from both companies will determine the details of joint marketing efforts of the helicopters and the provision of after-sales support over the coming months, Airbus said.
“Korea is one of Airbus Helicopters’ most important international customers. Thanks to this MoU, we will build a strong and mutually-beneficial relationship with KAI in order to jointly market the LCH/LAH worldwide, Ducrot said.
“On top of this, we will cooperate to provide support and services for more than 500 locally-made helicopters, which will bring tremendous benefits to both KAI and Airbus Helicopters for the next 20 to 30 years,” he added.