Airbus and technology partners signed MoU for joint research & technology projects

Leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus, and major Polish applied research group, Technology Partners, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on aeronautics research and technology projects. The agreement is an important step towards strengthening Airbus' partnership with Poland and opens the door for huge development opportunities for Polish scientists.

The MoU was signed on 1st June in Brussels by Dr. Tomasz Kośmider, President of Technology Partners, and Dieter Schmitt, Airbus Vice President of Research and Technology.

The cooperation will focus on different projects in the field of material sciences, particularly in surface technologies, ergonomics and environmental technologies, mathematical modelling, measurement and testing. The agreement is an opportunity for Polish scientists and industrialists to work hand in hand with Airbus to develop and create innovative aeronautic solutions using the latest technology. The MoU will be valid for five years, however, the research programme will continue longer.

"Airbus has been co-operating with Polish aviation industry for nine years now," said Dieter Schmitt, "and this agreement with Technology Partners is a step forward in Airbus' presence in Poland. I am convinced that this new cooperation will be fruitful for both sides and particularly for the aeronautic industry."

"Polish researchers will be engaged in common projects by the end of 2006," said Dr. Kośmider. "Polish scientists have great potential and we are delighted to co-operate with Airbus and to exchange our knowledge and experience."

Airbus' industrial co-operation with Poland started with PLZ Swidnik in May 1997. They supply bulk cargo-doors and passenger-door mechanisms, as well as fire-protection for both the A320 and A330/A340 Families. Co-operation with Airbus expanded with aircraft manufacturer EADS PZL Okecie. They assemble floor grid sections for A320 Family. The company delivered the first parts for the A320 Family in October 2004. The EADS PZL Okecie factory was chosen to participate in Airbus' production process due to its aerospace expertise and skilled workforce. In addition, orders from Polish industry included an eight million euros contract with Gdansk based Stocznia Remontowa to build a floating transfer station used in the transport process of the A380. Goodrich-Krosno also produce shock absorber parts for the A380’s landing gear. Airbus and its main shareholder EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space company) are the most important investors and customers for the Polish aerospace industry with an estimated USD 140 million worth of investment and purchases between 1998 and 2008.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus has delivered over 4,200 aircraft to more than 230 customers worldwide and boasts a healthy order book in excess of 2,100 aircraft for delivery over the coming years. With an annual turnover of over 22,2 billion euros in 2005, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China, Japan and in the Middle East. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint company with BAE Systems.

Technology Partners is a centre of advanced technology, focused on performing large interdisciplinary joint research projects employing some 800 researchers. Technology Partners promotes development of the Polish science and technology sector and is supervised by Minister of Education and Science.

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