Bolivian Gov, February 05, 2016 - President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Evo Morales, presented this Friday at the Air Group 51 of the city of Cochabamba, the third AS332 Jatun Puma helicopter to the Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza AĆ©rea Boliviana, FAB) to be used for humanitarian tasks and fight against drug trafficking.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Ivan Canelas, the Minister of Defense Reymi Ferreira, members of the Air Force, other authorities and special guests.
The Airbus Helicopter deal was for 6 helicopters with the remaining 3 to be delivered by the end of the year. The representative of the company, Jean Edouard Drouault said that is intended to enhance the efficiency of the armed forces, specifically the Bolivian Air Force in its various operations.
Drouault made it clear that Airbus Helicopters transmitted to the Bolivian teams the knowledge required to operate these new aircraft.
"Will always be by your side with the technical assistance you require. We know that this implies a high cost and our goal is to ensure that autonomy" he said, announcing that they have also decided to take young officers to make courses in France for the next five years.
"The cost of those 5 years of studies, travel and accommodation will be fully covered by Airbus" he said.
In turn, the general commander of the Bolivian Air Force general Celier Aparicio said that this acquisition is a significant contribution in terms of technology transfer and includes training for 24 pilots and 60 aircrew both in France and in the country; in addition to supplying special tools to establish a center for 500 hours intermediate maintenance inspections.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Ivan Canelas, the Minister of Defense Reymi Ferreira, members of the Air Force, other authorities and special guests.
The Airbus Helicopter deal was for 6 helicopters with the remaining 3 to be delivered by the end of the year. The representative of the company, Jean Edouard Drouault said that is intended to enhance the efficiency of the armed forces, specifically the Bolivian Air Force in its various operations.
Drouault made it clear that Airbus Helicopters transmitted to the Bolivian teams the knowledge required to operate these new aircraft.
"Will always be by your side with the technical assistance you require. We know that this implies a high cost and our goal is to ensure that autonomy" he said, announcing that they have also decided to take young officers to make courses in France for the next five years.
"The cost of those 5 years of studies, travel and accommodation will be fully covered by Airbus" he said.
In turn, the general commander of the Bolivian Air Force general Celier Aparicio said that this acquisition is a significant contribution in terms of technology transfer and includes training for 24 pilots and 60 aircrew both in France and in the country; in addition to supplying special tools to establish a center for 500 hours intermediate maintenance inspections.
H215 / AS332C1e / AS332L1e FAB-782 ( Fuerza Aerea Boliviana )
See also |
H215 / AS332C1e / AS332L1e in Fuerza Aerea Boliviana