Alenia North America Awarded Approximately $30 Million Contract by U.S. Air Force
Washington, D.C. — September 27, 2010 — Alenia North America, a subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica and part of the Finmeccanica group, has been awarded an approximately $30 million contract by the United States Air Force (USAF) to supply two additional modernized and refurbished C-27/G.222 tactical transport aircraft for the Afghanistan Air Force (AAF). This follows the initial contract, awarded in October 2008, to provide 18 aircraft, spare parts, ground support equipment, technical publications and contract logistics support in Afghanistan for $287 million.
Mr. John Young, chief executive officer of Alenia North America, said: “Alenia North America is proud of its ongoing role in supporting the development of a robust airlift capability in Afghanistan which allows them to conduct humanitarian and security assistance missions for the Afghan people.”
“This additional contract award by the U.S. Air Force is another positive indication of Alenia’s performance on this program,” said Mr. Joe Reheiser, V.P. Airlift Programs.
The new contract includes two aircraft with ballistic protection for the cockpit and liquid oxygen compartment, technical support and travel in support of the AAF. The aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2011.
The C-27/G.222 AAF program includes 20 aircraft in a standardized operational configuration, with two aircraft in a VIP configuration for Presidential and VIP airlift. Alenia North America is also on contract to provide USAF Air Advisor training at their facility in Capodichino, Naples.
Since September 2009, the AAF has taken delivery of seven C-27/G.222 aircraft including one VIP aircraft. Currently, six of these aircraft have been deployed to Afghanistan, with the seventh aircraft based at Alenia Aeronautica’s plant in Capodichino (Naples – Italy) supporting ongoing Air Advisor training.
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’s Capodichino facility. Logistical support in Afghanistan is being carried out by L-3 Vertex Aerospace.
