Business

Airbus to open helicopter plant in eastern Hungary

Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics and space manufacturing, will establish a helicopter plant in Hungary by 2021, creating hundreds of new jobs.

Two cities in the east of the country are vying to be the location for the investment, with a decision set to be made next week, after which the government will provide non-returnable funding to Airbus.

“Hungary won this investment amidst stiff regional competition,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó. “Airbus, which is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of civil and military aeroplanes and helicopters and the largest air and defence industry company in Europe, is placing its trust in the expertise and diligence of Hungarians.”

“Cooperation between the two parties also includes the procurement of 36 new helicopters for the Hungarian Defence Force, which greatly contributes to achieving Hungary’s undertaking towards NATO, in accordance with the Wales Summit Declaration, to increase its defence spending to two per cent of GDP by 2020,” he added.

“I am thankful for the trust that the Hungarian government has placed in our company to support its ambitious ‘Zrinyi 2026’ armed forces modernisation programme,” said Bruno Even, CEO at Airbus Helicopters.

“Our teams have witnessed the professionalism and enthusiasm of the Hungarian experts and pilots whose contribution has been key to ensuring the success of this project. The Hungarian armed forces will be able to rely on the cost-efficient H145M / H225M tandem that will enable them to cover all of the major military missions, from light utility, tactical transport, combat search and rescue up to light attack.”

Photo: Airbus