Boeing signs RNLAF helicopter maintenance contract

Boeing has signed a contract with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) that will see the company provide integrated maintenance and spare parts for the force’s Chinook and Apache helicopters. This is the first time an integrated arrangement of this kind has been signed by Boeing with a rotorcraft customer.

The $60 million Integrated Contractor Logistics Support (ICLS) contract will merge the two formerly separate Chinook and Apache supply chains. Boeing expects that this arrangement will save the Dutch military money and increase aircraft availability.

Boeing will provide support in the Netherlands and at Ft. Hood, Texas, where Dutch Chinook and Apache air crews train with the US Army. The agreement is based on the number of expected flight hours rather than ordering and stocking parts, and will increase flight-hour readiness for the air force.

John Guasto, director of Boeing International Rotorcraft Support, said: ‘This partnership will help both parties for years to come. The Boeing and RNLAF teams worked tirelessly to develop and refine this programme to reduce costs and improve reliability.’

Lt General Alexander Schnitger, Commander of the RNLAF, said: ‘This agreement underscores our mutual commitment to a capable force for decades to come. This contract is not just a support contract. It is a long term partnership between Boeing and the RNLAF which will increase the availability of our CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters at lower costs. I am very pleased that the Dutch industry is also part of this initiative that enables industry to enhance their maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in the Netherlands.’

Boeing is continuing to expand its support of the Dutch aerospace industry with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with AAR Aircraft Component Services to potentially provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services. AAR has extensive expertise servicing aircraft components for air forces in Europe, the United States and other countries. Along with Boeing, the strengths and experience AAR brings will help ensure improved and affordable readiness for the RNLAF fleet.