Gloucester, United Kingdom – SMITHS Aerospace business Dowty Propellers, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, has signed a long-term propeller support agreement with Flybe Airlines for the Dash 8 Q400 passenger aircraft fleet.

Flybe will operate up to 66 of the Q400 aircraft. The contract is worth more than £9m ($16m) and support will commence in the first quarter of 2007. Smiths Dowty Propellers repair facility in Gloucester will supply global support and programme management for the project.

Jonathan Chestney, President of the Smiths Aerospace Dowty Propeller business, said: “Flybe is a leader in maximising the effectiveness of the Q400 aircraft. This programme demonstrates an understanding on both sides of the new maintenance models that are required to deliver performance and cost targets essential for a successful airline operation.”

Flybe is one of Europe’s largest cost effective airlines. Flybe is owned by the Walker Trust and estimate that it will carry 6 million passengers network wide in 2006/2007. Flybe has 1,700 employees (1,270 airline and 430 aviation services) with 27 years of continuous operations experience.

John Palmer, Director Aviation Services for Flybe, said: "Flybe welcomes this new exciting development with Smiths Dowty Propellers - it guarantees Flybe will continue to deliver to its end customer the best possible service as well as remaining at the forefront of regional aviation in Europe.“

ENDS

Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical and Specialty Engineering. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com

Smiths Aerospace
Smiths Aerospace is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment business, with more than 11,000 employees and $2.3 billion revenues globally. The business holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and Systems Customer Services. For further information visit www.geaviationsystems.com