Long-Term Outlook Is Good for Alenia Aeronautica, Declares Zappa
In spite of short-term uncertainty caused by the present crisis
in the commercial aviation market, "long-term expectations
are good," observes Giorgio Zappa, chairman and CEO of Alenia
Aeronautica. With a flexible and diversified strategy, aimed at
maintaining the company's financial and economic performance while
increasing its competitive level, Zappa sees 2003 as achieving
target performance despite unfavorable market conditions.
On the military front, Zappa notes that defense funds allocated
to one-off operations are generating uncertainty by disrupting
procurement cycles. "This is reflected in the presently stalled
phase of consolidation in Europe, since each country is trying
to carry out a policy aimed at reinforcing its position and role,
using different means like consolidation of the Eurofighter's
organizational structure, updating, systems integration and transformation,"
warns Zappa.
"At the same time, new opportunities have emerged for marketing
European military aircraft and systems in the U.S. These include
renewed interest in possible transatlantic partnerships in ventures
like the F-35 JSF, National Missile Defense, multirole maritime
aircraft, tankers and future airborne platforms." Zappa sees
new systems such as unmanned air vehicles, some armed, as presenting
significant near-term growth prospects.
And what about the Boeing Dreamliner program? Zappa reports that
under the memorandum signed by Finmeccanica and Boeing in January
2003, Alenia will be offered a workshare as part of a broader
plan in which the Italian company could be upgraded from 'supplier'
to 'strategic partner.' So far, the agreement covers the contribution
by Alenia to the development of technologies and materials.
Aeronavali, the modification and maintenance division of Alenia,
continues to grow, according to Zappa. "The recent acquisition
of four Boeing 767 tankers for the Italian air force and the agreement
with Boeing Military on the entire 767 tanker modification program
confirms the strategic value of Aeronavali in the military field."
On the civil side, Aeronavali expects soon to be announcing a
license for more conversions of Boeing widebody airliners to cargo
carriers, while continuing similar changes to ATR turboprop twins.
Of Alenia's successes over the last 12 months, Zappa regards the
Greek contract, signed last January, for 12 C-27J Spartan tactical
transports, as one of the most rewarding. "Alenia firmly
believes in the C-27J program and it will continue to promote
in every area for a complete commercial success of this aircraft."
The same aircraft features in the CEO's targets list for the next
year, too. "In the U.S., the Army National Guard has shown
strong interest in the aircraft and has already nominated the
C-27J as the 'ideal airlifter' to replace the 44 Shorts C-23 Sherpas
flying in 19 states. The pilots of the U.S. Army elite parachute
team, the Golden Knights, have already flown the aircraft and
pronounced it perfectly fit for their missions.
