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An award-winning North Wales design and engineering company has struck a deal to become the exclusive supplier to aerospace giant Airbus.
Wrexham-based Air Covers, which specializes in designing and manufacturing protective covers for both civil and military aircraft, boats and vehicles, has been selected as the exclusive supplier of protective covers for Airbus’ newly launched H145D3 helicopter. Thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.
The Welsh company will be the sole provider of protective covers for the new aircraft, which is fast becoming the aircraft of choice for emergency medical services, police and utility operators worldwide due to its fuel efficiency and reduced noise footprint. Covers help protect aircraft, land and marine vehicles from damage from corrosion, sand abrasion, moisture, salt, heat and ice, minimizing maintenance and therefore increasing availability.
Air Covers has recently completed its first order for Airbus, which supplies fourteen aircraft manufactured in Donauwörth, Germany, with their protective covers. The company expects to deliver 30 sets per year from 2023.
Thanks to the agreement, Air Covers aims to reach its goal of increasing its exports by a quarter by the end of 2022, compared to the previous year. Exports currently account for 65% of its trade, but the company aims to reach 75% by 2024 by expanding its international portfolio and expanding into key growth markets such as North America and Australia.
John Pattinson, founder and managing director of Air Covers, said: “We have a working relationship with Airbus for over 10 years and the receipt of this new contract is a testament to the quality of the products we manufacture here in Wales.
“We have realized that many aircraft are unable to service due to preventable problems such as weather-related corrosion and structural damage from salt and wind-blown debris. Our products are designed to directly counter this and provide a regularly available fleet. This agreement is designed to further grow our business. It marks the beginning of our broad export expansion plans.”
