On Tuesday, the Bavarian State Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, visited the General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) site in Oberpfaffenhofen. The visit focused on the company's industrial role in the Bavarian aviation landscape and its future growth plans.
GA-ATS develops and manufactures the modernized Do228 NXT, a highly flexible multi-purpose aircraft for civil and governmental applications. It is the successor to the tried-and-tested Dornier 228, with complete system integration and final assembly - including production line and flight testing - taking place at the site. GA-ATS is also the Bundeswehr's central partner for the maintenance of the NH90 transport helicopter for the army and navy. The company employs a total of around 400 people and is part of General Atomics Europe GmbH, the European arm of the internationally active General Atomics Group based in San Diego.
“With the Do228 NXT, we have created an aviation industry product 'made in Bavaria' that is attracting interest worldwide. We have invested here - and we are counting on the support of politicians to further realize our development potential,” explained Harald Robl, Managing Director of General Atomics Europe GmbH.
The visit provided an opportunity for an intensive exchange on location issues, industrial framework conditions and the necessary political signals to strengthen the aviation industry in Bavaria. The importance of the airport connection for future projects was also discussed.
The delegation from the Ministry was joined by representatives from the Department of Security and Defense Industry, the Department of Aerospace, the Minister's Office and the Press Office. GA-ATS clearly emphasized its own role as a Bavarian aviation location with international connections and a long-term willingness to invest.
