Sabena technics Group has been chosen by the French Defense Agency (DGA) to supply, modify and maintain in operational condition a new generation testbed aircraft for its flight test center.

Within the scope of this contract, notified by the French Defense Agency late December 2009, Sabena technics will provide:

• the platform: a Fokker 100 type aircraft,
• the study and integration of the modifications to be carried out on the aircraft’s structure, enabling the fitting of new military equipment to be tested during the test flights undertaken by the DGA Essais en Vol,
• cabin modifications and upgrades in order to include the test benches enabling test flight operations and data collection,
• the analysis and integration of communication systems,
• the maintenance and engineering support of the aircraft and its components over a ten year period.

« This new contract reaffirms our group’s strategy, that of developing its service offering in the aircraft design, modification and upgrade sector, in both civil and military markets. We will continue to develop our in-house expertise and means in order to become a major provider in this market segment », said Christophe Bernardini, Chief Executive Officer of Sabena technics Group.

About Sabena technics (www.sabenatechnics.com)

Founded in 1968, Sabena technics is a leading independent MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) provider of maintenance services to civil and military aircraft operators. The group operates under the brands Sabena technics, Sabena technics training, Barfield and equally benefits from a joint venture specialized in hydraulic repair named Hydrep. Our group employs over 3,000 persons across its 15 sites worldwide. Our services are organized into five major activities: Airframe services, Component services, Integrated services, Military services and Training services, based on the basic principle of meeting our customers’ requirements.