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On the Record
Tassos Philippakos, CEO, Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
HAI Looks to Wider Markets for Future Growth
Shrinking national defense budgets have necessitated a change in Hellenic Aerospace Industry’s strategic direction and marketing strategy — from almost total dependence on offset contracts, mainly through the Greek Defense Ministry, to turning to wider international markets and gaining business from proven expertise in many areas of aeronautical activity. Founded in 1975, HAI has been a sole-source supplier to Lockheed Martin in recent years, following Hellenic air force acquisition of F-16s and of several major airframe components, including aft-fuselages, intakes and fuel-tanks.
HAI also produces parts for Raytheon T-6 rear-fuselages, together with many components for the Boeing 787, and for companies such as Embraer and Sikorsky. Other manufacturers with Greek interests include Rolls-Royce, which has authorized HAI to operate as one of six T56 approved maintenance stations in the world, together with Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, SNECMA, General Electric, and others. The company also participates in IRIS-T, Stinger, EU research projects, and the Integrated Eurotraining System.
“We’re now having to look outside Greece for long-term global relationships,” says Tassos Philippakos, CEO. “Lockheed Martin has offered valuable assistance in terms of workload and new technology…. HAI has also established a joint venture with Pratt & Whitney to form a One Source company for maintenance and support of military and civil engines. We’ve also reached agreement with EADS for subcontracts across the board, which could be worth $366 million over the next three years, as well as Thales for $183 million in the same period, plus Spain’s INDRA for $61 million over five years.
“More agreements are still being sought, and near-term Hellenic air force requirements for a new advanced trainer have resulted in talks with Aermacchi about possible HAI production participation in its M-346 program, or whatever other type may be selected. Other new markets recently opened include civil as well as military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, with Aegean Airlines as our first customer, and basic infrastructure for a ground station and satellite communications equipment.” —John Fricker
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