Communications

Riat, July 13-15, 2007
 
The "Royal International Air Tattoo" took place at Fairford from July 13-15, 2007. This is one of the top flying events in Europe, and participants included the main companies in the sector, as well as many foreign delegations and Air Force teams who took part in flying displays, including the Italian "Frecce Tricolori", as well as more than 300 aircraft in the static area. The guests who visited the Finmeccanica chalet included General Gen. S.A. V. Camporini (Italian Air Force Chief of Staff), General T. Michael Mosley (US Air Force Chief of Staff), Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Lester Torpy (UK Air Force Chief of Staff), representatives of the Defence Ministry and the Select Defence Committee from the UK Parliament, as well as many official representatives of international air forces.
 
A large number of aircraft from the Finmeccanica Group were on display in the static area, including the M346, the Falco, and several AgustaWestland helicopters in service with the UK Defence authorities and other countries. In particular, there was considerable interest in the Italian Air Force's C27J the which was visited by a number of foreign flight crews.
 
Finmeccanica and its companies (AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi, Alenia Areonautica, SELEX Communications, SELEX Sensors & Airborne Systems, SELEX Sistemi Integrati) took advantage of the presence of pilots from the "Frecce Tricolori", the C27J and the M346, to present their products to the many visitors and guests.
 
A gala dinner was held on the evening of July 13 during which Finmeccanica had the honour of receiving a trophy awarded by the organisers.
 
After the event, Finmeccanica invited guests to a concert on July 16 at the Royal Albert Hall by the Accademia di Santa Cecilia orchestra (link to article) during the "Proms" organised by the BBC, with a charity initiative in favour of SSAFA, the main organisation for helping those who serve, or have served, in the UK armed forces, and their families. Guests included the unexpected presence of the Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne.