Bangalore, India - Aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and global leader in aerospace and defence, EADS inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further develop long-term cooperation and define joint strategies on different market segments. The MoU was signed on Friday, September 1, 2006, by HAL Chairman Mr Ashok K. Baweja and EADS CEO Dr Tom Enders.

With this MoU, the two groups will expand their cooperation into new market segments. A joint analysis of mid-term and long-term strategies on the key segments of aerospace business will be conducted in the coming months to determine how both groups could team up and benefit from each other's expertise to develop their activities.

"HAL and EADS are already long-term partners, working together to manufacture helicopters and passenger jets," said Dr Tom Enders, CEO of EADS. "We appreciate the excellent level of skills in design and manufacturing, which make HAL a valuable partner for global cooperation in aerospace and defence. During my visit to HAL facilities in Bangalore, I was impressed by the quality of the production and technological capabilities," he added.

"HAL is rapidly developing into a major player in the aerospace sector. Nevertheless, HAL could benefit from teaming with a global player like EADS to accelerate its development and gain access to export market through joint marketing agreements. This memorandum will define the products for which HAL and EADS will join their efforts," said Mr A.K. Saxena, Managing Director, HAL Bangalore Complex.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT :

Mr. ANANTHA KRISHNAN M.
M/s. HAL Corporate Office
Bangalore, India
E-Mail : halmedia@gmail.com