Cameron backs Chinook support programme
During a visit to the Royal Dockyards at Portsmouth, UK attended by Sir Michael Arthur, president Boeing UK and Ireland and David Pitchforth, managing director Boeing Defence UK Ltd (BDUK), the Prime Minister said: “The Chinook support contract represents significant value for money for what is a very capable and versatile support helicopter, protecting UK interests at home and abroad. This will sustain 450 jobs and save the taxpayer over £150 million. As part of our long term economic plan, we are making major defence investments in areas like Portsmouth and today’s announcements demonstrate our commitment to this great city and region.”
The Through Life Customer Support contract supports around 450 jobs in the UK, with more than 500 others being employed in the UK on other aspects of supporting the RAF’s fleet of Chinook aircraft, in line with the MoD’s industrial strategy to grow on-shore capability, jobs and intellectual property.
“This is a pathfinder programme for MoD-wide, performance-based contracting,” said Sir Michael Arthur. “Boeing is expanding its presence in the UK and our customers benefit from the expertise and support of the entire Boeing enterprise.”
David Pitchforth, managing director of Boeing Defence UK, added “Boeing Defence UK has delivered aircraft availability to the RAF 10% above requirement and has driven serviceability to an all-time high, something all of us at Boeing are very proud of. We really value the close partnership we have with MOD that has resulted in the continued success of TLCS.”
The RAF, which introduced the Chinook into service in 1980, operates the largest fleet in Europe.
Boeing spent more than £1 billion ($1.6bn) in 2013 with UK-based suppliers, directly employs more than 1,800 people and supports more than 55,700 jobs across the UK.
Boeing employs more than 1,800 people across the UK at numerous sites, from Glasgow to Gosport, and the company is experiencing solid organic growth. In 2013 Boeing celebrated 75 years of partnership with the United Kingdom, the Armed Forces, British manufacturing and the air transport industry. Today the UK remains a critically important market, supplier base and a source of some of the world’s most inventive technology partners. The company sustains a total of more than 55,700 British jobs across the country, enhancing skills, facilitating exports and generating intellectual property.
