Airbus to expand in Radom

Following the decision of the Polish Ministry of Defence to buy 50 Eurocopter EC725 helicopters in a tender worth PLN 13 billion (EUR 3.1 billion), Airbus Helicopters estimate they would directly create 1,250 new permanent jobs in the country.

Radom is expected to be an important centre for Airbus and its expansion given the company’s current cooperation with the Kazimierz Pułaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom.

The university is working on a new technology with Airbus, though the nature of this project is an industrial secret and will not be revealed until September.

Tomasz Krysiński, head of Airbus Helicopters Research and Innovation, commented that the concept being developed by the university will “allow us to very effectively increase the performance, reduce the weight and increase the efficiency of a very important element of the helicopters‘ equipment.”

When the cooperation between the university and Airbus was announced last year it was stated that it would focus on autopilot and anti-vibration systems, though it is unknown whether or not the technology in question is related.

Meanwhile Sebastian Magadzio, President of Airbus Group Poland, emphasised the importance of Radom saying: “We are keen on [hosting] the entirety of the process, from conceptual work, which is taking place at this university, to production which will also be done in Radom.”

Airbus Helicopters has been present in Poland since 2001 and currently employs some 850 people in the country, based in Warsaw and Mielec (south-eastern Poland).

The final contract for the EC725 helicopters has not yet been signed though it is hoped that this can be done in autumn this year. (sl/jh)

Source: PAP