VOLKEL, Netherlands, June 17 (UPI) -- A $60 million integrated contractor logistics support contract has been signed by Boeing and the Dutch Air Force, merging two separate helicopter supply chains.
Boeing said the deal -- the first for maintenance and spare parts for Chinook and Apache helicopters, is based on the number of expected flight hours rather than ordering and stocking parts and will lead to lower costs and increased aircraft availability.
"The Boeing and RNLAF teams have partnered to create an innovative and integrated program approach which is the first of its type globally for Boeing Rotorcraft," said Peri Widener, Boeing's Global Services & Support vice president of Rotorcraft Support. "This will result in more affordable support solutions and enhanced flight hour readiness of Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47 Chinook and AH-64D Apache helicopters."
Logistics support work under the agreement will be conducted in the Netherlands and also Fort Hood in Texas, where Dutch Chinook and Apache air crews train with the U.S. Army.
Additional details of the contract were not provided.
"This contract is not just a support contract," said Lt. Gen. Alexander Schnitger, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. "It is a long-term partnership between Boeing and the Royal Netherlands Air Force, 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."
