IAF in refueling exercise
IAF in refueling exerciseIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Israel Aircraft Industries has won a contract worth $300 million to build an airborne refueling system for Boeing 767-300 planes of the Brazilian Air Force. IAI beat out several companies in the U.S. and Europe to win the contract.

In an interview, Yossi Weiss, IAI's Chairman, said that many companies were filing tenders for contracts like the one IAI won, in countries all over the world. IAI was grateful for the opportunity to work with the Brazilian Air Force, he said, and very proud of having come out ahead of some of the biggest aviation companies in the world.

The contract for setting up the system is $300 million, Weiss said, with potential for further growth. “This is a multi-year project,” he said. “This is a very important win for us, as the Brazilian marketing is a developing one. In the coming years Brazil will be hosting the World Cup and the Olympics. This shows how fast the country is developing and growing. It is important for us to work in a place like this.

“During these tough economic times, especially in the aviation business, every new contract IAI gets is important,” Weiss added.