14th Feb 2005 07:01
Cobham PLC14 February 2005 COBHAM UPDATE National Jet Systems (NJS), a member of Cobham's Flight Operations & ServicesGroup, has been named preferred bidder for a contract to operate and maintain afleet of eight Boeing 717s on behalf of Qantas in Australia. The eight 115 seat passenger jets will be used on QantasLink regional routes inWestern Australia, the Northern Territory and Northern Queensland, replacingeight BAe 146 aircraft already operated by NJS. NJS, Australia's largest aviation services contractor, will now enter intonegotiations with Qantas on the terms and conditions of the contract, and willstart implementing a transition plan for the new aircraft. Alex Hannam, Group Managing Director, Flight Operations & Services said: "Qantas' preference to extend its fourteen year relationship with NJS is furtherendorsement of the safety and performance standards we are able to maintain in avery competitive environment. Adding a new aircraft type to the NJS fleet willgive us greater flexibility to meet market needs in the areas in which wespecialise." NJS will retain thirteen BAe 146 aircraft for Resource Industry and freighteroperations for the next decade, and will continue to operate BAe 146s on behalfof QantasLink to ports to which the aircraft is better suited. Also, Cobham's Aerospace Systems Group (ASG) has undertaken a review of itsparticipation in the US flare countermeasures market place. As a consequence ofthis and the announcement from the US Government Accountablility Officeregarding the denial of an appeal on the US$38m order for countermeasure flares,ASG is exploring a range of strategic options for its countermeasures businessin the USA. NOTES TO THE EDITORNational Jet Systems and sister company National Air Support are part of theCobham plc Flight Operations & Services Group. They operate a fleet of 48aircraft throughout Australia and neighbouring countries, employing more than1000 people. As one of Australia's largest high capacity aircraft operators,the group provides outsourced passenger and freight services to Qantas andAustralian air Express, charter and resource industry air services for majorcorporate and government organisations, and special mission flight operationsincluding the government's Coastwatch surveillance programme. Cobham's Aerospace Systems Group specialises in the design, manufacture, saleand support of fluid and air distribution components and systems,countermeasures, air refuelling equipment, aviation auxilliary mission equipmentand life support equipment. ENQUIRIESCobham plcAllan CookChief Executive Telephone +44 (0) 1202 882 020 Warren TuckerGroup Financial Director Telephone +44 (0) 1202 882 020 College HillMatthew Smallwood Telephone +44 (0) 207 457 2020 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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