State aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) has signed a US$42 million contract to assemble components of Super Puma MKII helicopters for Eurocopter Indonesia, the local unit of helicopter maker Eurocopter Group.

"The deal verifies the ability of DI as a competent partner in the aerospace business for the manufacturing of aircraft parts and components in Asia," said DI president director Budi Santoso after the contract signing Monday.

The contract was signed by Budi and Henri Stell, president director of Eurocopter Indonesia, at the office of the state minister for state enterprises.

"DI keeps expanding its market in the aerospace business. The deal confirms global demand as the Super Puma brand is among the most sold brands in the international market," said Budiman Saleh, DI aerostructure director.

Under the deal, a series of training programs will take place between the two parties in the first three years, including a permanent posting of a Eurocopter team in Bandung, West Java. The Bandung posting, also the location of DI headquarters, will allow for technical assistance and the exchange of ideas and technology.

The actual production process will start in 2011.

Eurocopter is the world's number one helicopter manufacturer. Eurocopter's products account for 30 percent of the fleets across the globe.

Dirgantara was founded in 1976 and provides aircraft design, development and assembly for commercial and military planes and spare parts.

Among its partners, in addition to the Indonesian Air Force, are the U.S. Coast Guard and the governments of Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. -- JP/Olivia Dameria

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