Alenia Aermacchi announces that the Board of Directors of its Alenia Aermacchi North America subsidiary appointed Mr. Benjamin R. Stone as the new President and CEO. Mr. Stone replaces Dr. Alan E. Calegari.

Alenia Aermacchi North America greatly appreciates the contributions of Dr. Calegari during his time with the company. He had previously indicated his plans to pursue other activities.

With the new top management appointed, Alenia Aermacchi North America confirms its full commitment to the North American market with a focus on the range of products already in service with the various Armed Forces, as well as pursuing future opportunities and industrial partnerships.

These opportunities include working together with General Dynamics C4 Systems for the upcoming U.S. Air Force T-X program; with General Dynamics Canada, Provincial Aerospace, and DRS Canada to reinforce Alenia's interest to support the FWSAR replacement needs of Canada; and, exploring additional business opportunities offered by the Mexican market, considering the recent sale of C-27J to the Mexican Air Force.