SINGAPORE, Feb. 20, 2008 -- Boeing Australia Limited and AgustaWestland today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to propose an integrated helicopter aircrew training system to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for the Air 9000 Phase 7 program.

This collaboration, signed at the 2008 Singapore Airshow, builds on the companies' successful track record of partnering across a range of helicopter programs such as CH-47 Chinook in Italy and the AH-64 Apache in the United Kingdom.

This collaboration, signed at the 2008 Singapore Airshow, builds on the companies' successful track record of partnering across a range of helicopter programs such as CH-47 Chinook in Italy and the AH-64 Apache in the United Kingdom.

Boeing Australia Limited President David Withers joined AgustaWestland International Business Unit Senior Vice President Giacomo Saponaro at the signing ceremony.

"AgustaWestland is committed to offering the Australian Defence Force the best integrated training solution to meet its fleet rationalization objectives over time under the Air 9000 program. As the most advanced military light twin helicopter for both basic and advanced training purposes, the high-performance, fully equipped, shippable AW109 LUH covers a large number of land-based as well as sea-based operational applications, so favoring an effective operational conversion training for air crew transitioning to other operational helicopter systems,"Saponaro said.

Withers said this strong alliance will offer the ADF a proven, off-the-shelf integrated training system that significantly enhances its ability to train world-class helicopter pilots and air crew. The ADF is expected to solicit industry proposals in September.

"Boeing Australia Limited has proven performance in delivering in-country training and rotary wing support and has tremendous experience in providing project management, engineering and other support services to the ADF,"said Withers. "Together with AgustaWestland's rotorcraft design and manufacturing expertise, we offer a highly successful, low-risk solution for the Air 9000 Phase 7 program."

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The company offers an unrivalled range of helicopters, training and support solutions to satisfy the requirements of civil and military customers. AgustaWestland has its primary operations in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Boeing Australia Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary that reports to Boeing International Support Systems, is a high-technology aerospace company specializing in installation and support of systems for defense and commercial customers.

Australia 's aerospace and airline history has been intertwined with The Boeing Company for 80 years, reaching back to the pioneering days of flying and aircraft manufacturing in this country.

Boeing has strong links with its Australian subcontractors (SMEs) and the wider Australian economy. Economists ACIL Tasman, using input-output multiplier analysis, estimated that in 2005 The Boeing Company's direct and indirect contribution to Australia's employment was in the order of 3,266 jobs, and the businesses are growing.