Aerospace

Norway ends NH90 helicopter contract over delays, errors; wants full refund

COPENHAGEN, Denmark –Norway announced plans to abandon its NH90 army helicopter fleet and seek a refund from a consortium led by Europe’s Airbus, which replied by calling the transfer “illegal.” According to the defence minister and army chief, Norway will return the NH90 army helicopters ordered from the NH Industries consortium because they are either faulty or were delivered late.

NATO member Norway has terminated a two-decade-old deal for 14 maritime helicopters with a French manufacturer, citing delays, faults, and time-consuming maintenance, the defence minister said Friday, calling the decision “a significant choice.”

According to Defense Minister Bjrn Arild Gram, the Norwegian government will return the NH90 helicopters it has received so far and demands a full reimbursement of the approximately 5 billion kroner ($525 million) it paid.

“Regardless of how many hours our specialists spend or how many parts we order, the NH90 will never be capable of meeting the needs of the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram told a press conference. The helicopter consortium stated that it was “very dissatisfied” with the selection.

“NHIndustries considers this termination to be legally void,” the company stated in a news release. It stated that it had not been given the opportunity to debate the most recent plan to increase the supply of the NH90 in Norway or to address specific Norwegian needs. Airbus shares dipped slightly more than 1%.

“Unfortunately, we have concluded that no matter how many hours our specialists spend or how many parts we order, the NH90 will never be capable of matching the standards of the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Arild Gram said.

The NH90 is a twin-engine helicopter designed to meet NATO’s specifications for a modern, medium-sized, multi-role military helicopter capable of both land and sea operations.

A detailed study of Norway’s marine helicopter capabilities, commissioned by the Defense Ministry in February, concluded that the performance and availability of the NH90 would not fulfil the country’s requirements even with large extra financial commitments.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.