Page 10 - AVALON 2023 - Day 3 | DAILY NEWS

© Airbus H135

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS ENJOYS REBOUND AFTER COVID

Like other helicopter OEMs, Airbus manufacturer expects steady and regular Helicopters, commented: ‘The region pres-
Helicopters is reporting a rebound in sales growth from hereon in, as long as no other ents extensive opportunities for Airbus
of rotorcraft after the worldwide shock black swan event occurs. across the segments where we are ready
caused by COVID-19. Indeed, Fabrice to support with a strong product portfo-
Rochereau, Vice President and Head of The H125 and H130 are the OEM’s best- lio and an established maintenance and
Sales Asia-Pacific at Airbus Helicopters, sellers, and there are rising requirements training network across the region. We are
said at Avalon Airshow 2023 that the year for passenger transport, utility, mining and fully committed to growing this presence
2024 would mark a full return to the normal aerial works. Steady demand continues in together with our customers and network
trajectory of sales. the oil and gas, public services and emer- partners.’
gency medical services segments too.
In the Pacific region, which comprises Indeed, Airbus Helicopters was well placed
Australasia, Papua New Guinea and the After a previous slump in oil and gas, with its extensive network of local cus-
Pacific Islands, Airbus is anticipating 300 Airbus Helicopters now expects this sector tomer centres across Asia-Pacific during
helicopters will be sold over the coming to create strong growth over the coming
decade. With 60+% of the region’s helicop- ten years. The manufacturer believes its the COVID-19 pandemic. With interna-
ter fleet more 20 years old or more, there is H175 and H160 are well placed for offshore tional travel routinely curtailed, such local
great demand for the fleet to be renewed. requirements, and the H145 for onshore networks helped ensure resilience for the
transport. company. It was impossible to send pilots
Approximately half the 60 helicopter overseas for training, for example, and this
sales recorded in the Pacific last year Christian Venzal, Managing Director for has emphasised the importance of having
were achieved by Airbus. The helicopter Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Airbus local footprints.

DEFENCE TO UPGRADE NORTH

QUEENSLAND BASES

The Department of Defence revealed it Contractors received the contract under hub for Defence into the future. The
is investing AUD111.2 million (USD75.9 the auspices of the North Queensland North Queensland Mid-Term Refresh
million) to upgrade RAAF Base Mid-Term Refresh Programme. Programme ensures the ongoing sus-
Townsville, Townsville Field Training Construction commenced in early 2023, tainability of critical infrastructure in
Area and HMAS Cairns. The work and should be completed by the middle support of Australian Defence Force
package includes new and upgraded of 2025. capability across the Townsville and
engineering services, building refur- Dan Fankhauser, First Assistant Cairns region.’
bishment and additional transit live-in Secretary of Infrastructure Division,
accommodation. Security and Estate Group, said: CPB Contractors is expected to make
‘North Queensland is and will remain extensive use of local businesses to
The construction company CPB an important maritime, land, and air complete the work.

10 | MARCH-02-2023 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS