Alenia North America Awarded Approximately $4.2 Million Training Contract By the United States Air Force

Washington, DC – November 10, 2010 – Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica and part of the Finmeccanica group, has been awarded an approximately $4.2 million contract by the United States Air Force to provide training of pilots, loadmasters and maintenance personnel on the C-27/G.222 tactical transport aircraft for the Afghanistan Air Force (AAF).

This is a follow on contract to a previous contract with the U.S. Air Force which had three training classes on the C-27/G.222. This new contract will consist of four training classes over the next year.

“Alenia North America is proud of our continued relationship with the U.S. Air Force,” said Mr. John Young, Chief Executive Officer of Alenia North America. “This program is providing valuable assets and training to the Afghan Air Force at a critical time.”

As with the previous contract, the pilot, loadmaster, and maintenance training will continue to take place at Alenia Aeronautica’s Capodichino facility in Naples, Italy, where the aircraft refurbishment is done. The aircraft that will be used for the training are currently undergoing refurbishment.

“Alenia North America is honored to once again be chosen by the U.S. Air Force to train their Air Advisors. These Air Advisors play a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Afghan Air Force,” said Mr. Joe Reheiser, V.P. Airlift Programs.

About the C-27 - AAF Program

In 2008, Alenia North America was awarded a contract by the United States Air Force to supply 18 refurbished C-27/G.222 aircraft for the Afghanistan Air Force (AAF). The refurbished aircraft are in use by the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan and will be transferred by the NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan in Kabul to the reconstituted AAF.

The C-27/G.222 serves as the backbone of the AAF and has significantly expanded their ability to provide humanitarian aid and security to the Afghan population throughout the country.

Alenia North America, as prime contractor, is responsible for program management while the aircraft are being refurbished and modernized by its parent company Alenia Aeronautica in its Capodichino facility near Naples, Italy. Training for air advisors is also being conducted at Alenia Aeronautica’s Capodichino facility. Logistical support in Afghanistan is being carried out by L-3 Vertex Aerospace.