Fokker Services Group (FSG) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters. The agreement was formalized during the recent NIDV Exhibition Defense & Security in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
This MoU follows the Dutch Ministry of Defense’s recent decision to acquire 12 H225M helicopters. Under the terms of the agreement, FSG and Airbus Helicopters will collaborate to establish H225M base maintenance capabilities in the Netherlands. This initiative will ensure the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has access to comprehensive, high-quality aircraft maintenance services whenever needed.
Airbus Helicopters, a global leader in rotorcraft engineering and maintenance, will contribute its extensive knowledge and expertise of the H225M platform to the project. With years of experience maintaining the H225M, Airbus will play a crucial role in supporting FSG as it establishes these new capabilities. FSG, an established strategic partner for the RNLAF’s NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter program, brings a wealth of experience and technical expertise in aircraft sustainment to the collaboration.
Roland van Dijk, CEO of FSG, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: “The H225M Base Maintenance capability will be an excellent fit with our current capabilities and our ambition to grow as a strategic maintenance partner for the RNLAF. We are thrilled that we will collaborate with Airbus Helicopters to bring this capability to the maintenance valley in Woensdrecht.”
Alain Krief, Head of Region Industrial Participation for Europe at Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration: “Together, our common strengths form a robust foundation for bringing valuable services to RNLAF. In particular, RNLAF and FSG will respectively benefit from higher fleet availability and high-end skilled jobs on a long-term basis.”
The collaboration between FSG and Airbus Helicopters represents a significant step in enhancing the maintenance and operational readiness of the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s new H225M fleet, further strengthening defense capabilities in the region.
