AgustaWestland given £22 million loan from UK Government
UK Government loan to company for AW169 helicopter
AgustaWestland has announced
the launch of UK
involvement in the AW169 commercial helicopter programme with the support of a
£22 million loan by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. The
announcement was made by the Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for
Business, Innovation and Skills during a visit to AgustaWestland’s Yeovil
factory.
Bruno Spagnolini, chief executive officer, AgustaWestland said following the
announcement, “Today marks the beginning of a new era for our Yeovil factory
and for its UK
supply network. We are confident that the AW169 will be a great success in the
market place and now every AW169 helicopter sold will incorporate key
rotorcraft technologies developed in the UK
and critical helicopter systems manufactured in the UK.”
Ray Edwards, managing director,
AgustaWestland said, “The start of AW169 commercial helicopter work at
AgustaWestland’s Yeovil factory is a central element of AgustaWestland UKs
diversification strategy to protect and grow the skills and capabilities
required for a strong helicopter industry in the UK. The AW169 design and
development work will mainly take place over the next three years with
deliveries to customers starting in 2015.”
