Improved Fokker 100 Landing Gear

Fokker Services introduces improved aftermarket landing gear for the Fokker 100 aircraft

 Nieuw-Vennep, February 16, 2009

 Fokker Aerospace Group subsidiary Fokker Services, having recently entered into a manufacturing licence and forging supply agreement with Messier-Dowty Limited for Messier-Dowty-designed replacement Fokker 100 aircraft landing gear components, today announced that it has signed a contract with Heroux-Devtek Inc, to manufacture and supply those replacement components.

Under the terms of agreement, Héroux-Devtek will supply complete aftermarket kits. Deliveries are expected to begin in the spring of 2010 and should be completed by the end of calendar year 2013. Based on current projections, the total value of the contract is estimated between $ 11 and $ 17.7 million.

Both contracts are part of a F100 MLG aftermarket project to ensure the continuation of the worldwide competitive operation of the Fokker 100 fleet.  It also represents the latest development in Messier-Dowty’s forty-year involvement in Fokker aircraft Programs.

 At present there are 700 operational Fokker aircraft across the world. The Fokker aircraft has earned a reputation for comfort, reliability and durability. Many consider the Fokker aircraft among the best mid-size aircraft ever built. The fleet still meets the high noise requirements of the future. The operators are enthusiastic about their structural integrity, advanced technologies and operational reliability. But also extremely pleased with the handling comfort of the aircraft. They feel that choosing a Fokker aircraft for their fleet makes economic sense. During the years the Fokker fleet has only grown stronger and has developed even further. The aircraft meets the challenges of the future.

 Fokker Services is part of Fokker Aerospace Group. Fokker Aerospace Group develops and produces advanced components and systems for the aerospace industry, and supplies integrated maintenance services and products to aircraft owners and operators. In 2007 the group achieved a turnover of $710 million (533 million EU) with over 3,636 employees out of the total Stork revenue of $ 2.6 billion (2.0 billion EU).

 Héroux-Devtek (TSX:HRX), a Canadian company, serves two main market segments: Aerospace and Industrial Products, specializing in the design, development, manufacture and repair of related systems and components. Héroux-Devtek supplies both the commercial and military sectors of the Aerospace segment with landing gear systems (including spare parts repair and overhaul services) and airframe structural components. The company also supplies the industrial segment with large components for power generation equipment and precision components for other industrial applications. Approximately 65% of the company’s sales are outside Canada, mainly in the United States.

 Messier-Dowty, a SAFRAN group company, is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of landing gear systems. Messier-Dowty landing gear are in service on more than 19,500 aircraft making over 35,000 landings every day.  The company supplies 33 airframe manufacturers and supports 2,000 operators of large commercial aircraft, regional and business aircraft, military aircraft and helicopters. Messier-Dowty is also the majority shareholder of the worldwide MRO network, Messier Services. Messier-Dowty and Messier Services together have 4,300 employees across sites in Europe, North America and Asia, and posted consolidated sales of $1105 million in 2007.