Airbus Helicopters is to set up a parts factory in Hungary, creating new jobs and helping to drive the local economy.
Péter Szijjártó, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said the investment coming in 2021 will create hundreds of jobs thanks to a cooperation agreement between the Hungarian government and the company.
The minister revealed that two eastern Hungarian cities are competing to host the factory, and the choice will be made early next year before being finalized after a decision on non-refundable government support for the project.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said the signing of the MoU opened a new chapter in cooperation between Airbus and Hungary. Parts manufacture involves precision work for which Airbus will rely on Hungarian expertise. In two years’ time, every hundredth helicopter manufactured by Airbus will contain Hungarian components, he added.
Minister Szijjártó said Hungary had won the investment against regional competition. Among the world’s leading companies in the production of civil and military aircraft and helicopters, Airbus as the largest aircraft and military company in Europe, is putting trust in the Hungarian people’s expertise and hard work, he said.
The minister said the deal also covers Hungary’s purchase of 36 new military helicopters which will contribute to meeting the country’s NATO commitments.