America: My Time

Chapter 311 Black Hawk
Chapter 311 Black Hawk

Not long after John returned to San Francisco, Ye Qianwen also arrived from Canada. Her arrival, like Naoko's, attracted considerable attention, as the whole of the United States now knew about John's affair. However, Naoko's appearance at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show brought her even more attention, which made other women uneasy.

Ye Qianwen's appearance also reflects this concern. With the expansion of Quantum Mining in Canada and the emergence of the Yellowknife Diamond Mine, this beautiful woman from Canada has also attracted attention. So, when she appeared in San Francisco, she naturally drew attention as well. Those people dared not say anything against John, so they set their sights on these women, hoping to influence John through such means. It can only be said that their idea was too foolish. If John were so easily influenced by the outside world, how could he have achieved such success and been able to contend with conglomerates like Morgan and Rockefeller?

To John's surprise, shortly after returning home, he received an invitation from the Consul General in San Francisco. Although he had many matters to attend to, John accepted, as he also had many things to resolve with China, especially given the heavy production demands of Victoria's Secret, which necessitated expanding the production of its contract manufacturers in China. This time, John's expansion wasn't limited to clothing; it also included accessories, women's shoes, and more.

John's every move attracted attention. His appearance at the consulate did draw some people's attention, but no one went up to disturb him, and they didn't know why he was there.

John was somewhat surprised to see the Consul General. Not only was Consul General Hu standing before him, but there was also a military attaché. This situation surprised John.

"Mr. John, I have some things I'd like to discuss with you. I'd like to understand Sikorsky's current production situation. If we place an order, will Sikorsky be able to deliver it on time?"

Upon hearing this, John instantly understood that it concerned the Black Hawk helicopters. Although he had received a report from Sikorsky, he hadn't paid much attention. In his memory, the agreement wouldn't be signed until next year, but he hadn't expected such a result already. It seemed the large order signed during the Middle East trip had caused quite a stir. During the Middle East trip, Sikorsky had secured an order for hundreds of helicopters, and this was just the beginning; if the other party was satisfied, they could continue to place additional orders.

Of course, the Middle Eastern tycoons did not order entirely military helicopters; a large portion were for civilian use. However, this would put considerable pressure on Sikorsky's production. If China had chosen the Black Hawk helicopter at this time, the order could have been delayed.

At this moment, John couldn't help but smile wryly. He hadn't expected things to turn out this way. He sighed and said, "The Middle East has ordered over a hundred Black Hawk helicopters. Sikorsky's production line is operating at full capacity. If the quantity isn't too large, we can negotiate with the Middle East to deliver the Chinese order first. To be honest, I really didn't expect this situation. After all, I've only been at Sikorsky for a short time, and the integration of Gulfstream Aerospace has only just begun. There are many things I don't understand!"

The Middle Eastern tycoons have ordered not only Black Hawk helicopters, but also King Stallion, Sky Crane, and Apache helicopters currently undergoing testing, as well as Gulfstream business jets. Therefore, delivering the orders to China first is not a difficult task.

The Chinese side was also aware of Gulfstream Aerospace's situation. Gulfstream Aerospace was currently expanding rapidly, having acquired not only Hughes Aircraft Company but also Pratt & Whitney and two major airlines. It was clearly poised to make a major foray into the aviation industry. Under these circumstances, it was understandable that John was unaware of Sikorsky's situation. After all, as the big boss, he couldn't possibly be concerned with everything, not even the Black Hawk's testing in China.

"Mr. John, we are interested in purchasing 24 Black Hawk helicopters, and if possible, we hope to have them delivered as soon as possible!"

"24 Black Hawk helicopters are not a problem. Sikorsky can complete them in the shortest time. The entire production line is currently operating at full capacity. As long as we communicate well with the Middle East, this is not a problem. However, I have a question: are 24 enough? Actually, I think there is another type of helicopter that would be very useful to you: the S-64 Sky Crane."

Aerial cranes are exceptionally capable in lifting and transporting goods, offering excellent value for money. They are powerful in both military and civilian applications, and are particularly useful in logistical support, as evidenced by the US military.

Upon hearing John's words, the Consul General sighed and said, "We also want to purchase more, as well as helicopters like the Sky Crane, but our foreign exchange reserves are limited, so we can only purchase 24 Black Hawks for now!"

Foreign exchange restrictions hampered procurement; this was the reality in China in the 1980s. John knew, however, that this deal was China's only chance to acquire helicopters from Sikorsky. Once missed, further orders would be impossible, and it would be too late. The Americans wouldn't allow such deals to continue indefinitely; when circumstances changed, everything would change. "I don't know how you all see it, but I must make one point clear: opportunities don't come around all the time. If the overall environment changes, the US will intervene in such deals, even if you're purchasing civilian helicopters, which are still on the restricted list. Place orders as large as you can afford, or after you receive the aircraft and test them without problems, place additional orders as quickly as possible. Don't wait until the overall environment changes, or it will be too late!"

Having said that, John didn't say anything more. After all, he was American, and saying too much would be counterproductive, making him seem like he was just trying to promote his own products. However, opportunity and time were both crucial, and John hoped to do his part, though success was uncertain.

"Mr. John, our funds are limited, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to do so!"

Just as the Consul General finished speaking, the military attaché said, "I think Mr. John's suggestion is excellent. We should indeed seize the opportunity. Opportunity favors the prepared. If the circumstances change, some unexpected events may indeed occur. If Sikorsky can guarantee on-time delivery, we can make a request to our superiors!"

John nodded slightly and said, "There are no problems with Sikorsky. As long as you all have the intention to increase our orders, we will take the initiative to contact the Middle East side and negotiate with them. After all, their orders are too large, and it is not a big problem for us to make appropriate adjustments. As for the funding issue, it is not a big deal. We can accept installment payments, and we are not afraid that you will back out. After all, we have orders from the Middle East, so even if we produce the goods, there will be someone to take over."

At this point, John suddenly remembered something and said, "Consul General Hu, there is something I would like to inform you. There are other people who are also looking to purchase Black Hawk helicopters, and if there are no unforeseen circumstances, Sikorsky will accept their order."

After all, this matter can't be kept secret forever; the other party will definitely find out eventually. It's better to tell them the truth so they can be prepared. I plan to make many investments in China in the future, and I don't want to leave myself with such a bad reputation, which could affect my future investments in China.

Getting John's promise was no easy feat, as they all understood the immense profits involved in such a deal. Moreover, Gulfstream Aerospace was currently burdened with a huge debt, and each additional order meant more profit and less pressure.

Sikorsky has more than just Black Hawk and Sky Crane; it also has the Hydra, the King Kong, and now it has integrated Hughes Helicopters and added the Apache. There are a lot of interests behind this, so it's really difficult to make such a promise.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. John!"

"It's nothing, it's what I should do. If you are really under financial pressure, there are solutions! You two should know about the situation of 7-Eleven convenience stores. We can actually purchase a batch of supplies from China. As long as the quality is up to standard, it won't be a problem! Bentley is also expanding rapidly, and we have considerable needs in the retail sector. We can purchase some simple parts from China."

Bentley Group is now expanding its retail business significantly. Although it has its own production facilities in China, these facilities are far from sufficient to meet Bentley Group's needs. Bentley Group now has a strong retail company in North America and has also acquired an auto parts sales company in the UK, so it has considerable demand in the supply chain.

Such cooperation can be considered a win-win situation. Bentley gains a stable supply chain, while China receives sufficient foreign exchange, making it beneficial for both sides. If a Chinese supply chain were available, Bentley would forgo supplying certain simpler parts and components to China instead. Although Bentley's expansion isn't currently very rapid, once its Mexican production facilities are fully operational, the required number of parts will be substantial.

Of course, such a transaction would also play a vital role in the development of the Bentley Group and generate substantial profits for the company itself. John has no reason to give up such a win-win deal or such a cooperation opportunity.

(End of this chapter)