[Electronic translation] The purchase of new rescue helicopters must provide added value and jobs in Norway, says Hans Christian Gabrielsen, 2 Deputy Chairman of the LO. The reason for the statement is the government’s imminent election of the new rescue helicopters.

The procurement of 16 new rescue helicopters to replace the Sea King, which has served us well for 40 years, is expected to cost Norway almost 17 billion Norwegian kroner. It is therefore obvious that one must work to ensure that any of this is returned to the Norwegian society in terms of wealth creation, continues Gabrielsen.

The contest is now between Eurocopter EC725 with her and AgustaWestland AW101 with her. Both helicopters meet the requirements set for its capabilities. In our view, therefore, opportunities for business to be a crucial factor in the assessment of otherwise similar providers, says Gabrielsen. After Confederation assessment is AgustaWestland who are able to offer the industry the best opportunities. This applies for maintenance, testing and production of components. It emerges clearly that include AIM Norway and Kongsberg Gruppen, the choice of AgustaWestland have major positive consequences.

Choice of AgustaWestland as a supplier will provide Norway both technology development and new jobs, maintains Gabrielsen, which assumes that the new government also emphasizes opportunities for business heavily when the election is held on the 4th November.