Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace announce strategic partnership on in-service support for Gulf States

ST JOHN'S, Oct. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace have announced a strategic partnership for the provision of In Service Support (ISS) for C295 aircraft operated by members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The announcement follows a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies to pursue global ISS opportunities. It builds on the existing partnership for Canada's Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) program.

"We are excited to expand our existing relationship with PAL Aerospace beyond Canada's FWSAR program into further export oriented opportunities. We are fortunate that we can leverage the infrastructure and expertise that the two companies have in GCC to accomplish this objective." said Simon Jacques, President Airbus Defence and Space Canada.

"This agreement is testament to how Airbus works to develop partnerships that grow beyond single contracts into lasting, global relationships. With the experience that we have gained during Canada's FWSAR process, we hope that this is the first of many export oriented opportunities that we are able to pursue."

The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Collectively, the member states already operate nine C295s of 12 ordered in a variety of configurations. The agreement between PAL Aerospace and Airbus Defence and Space will allow both companies to leverage their footprint and experience in the region substantially increasing the ISS alternatives for C295 users in the GCC countries.

PAL Aerospace celebrated its 10^th anniversary working in the GCC in 2016. Through its UAE joint venture, PAL Aerospace Services Aircraft Maintenance LLC (PAL LLC) provides comprehensive ISS support.

"We are proud to be working with Airbus Defence and Space to expand our ISS footprint in the Middle East," said Brian Chafe, Chief Executive Officer (PAL Aerospace). "From the outset we believed our work with Airbus Defence and Space would lead to new global opportunities for our services. What we see today reinforces that these strong ties between both of our companies will lead to sustainable, high value, export-oriented jobs for Canadians."

The C295 is the market leader in its class, with 169 aircraft sold in 24 countries. The C295 team also includes a number of other prominent Canadian Companies. Pratt & Whitney Canada provides engines for every C295 in the world, CAE provides training and simulation, and L3 Wescam provides the Electro/Optical sensors.

"This agreement will ensure the GCC C295 operators will receive the proven and reliable level of service that they have come to expect. Further, it reinforces the strength of the existing relationship between Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace contributing to the development of high value Canadian job opportunities," concluded Jacques.

About Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe's number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 38,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €13 billion per year.

About PAL Aerospace
PAL Aerospace is an international aerospace and defence company with a focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions. Recognized by governments and militaries for on time/on budget delivery, and high reliability rates, the company has grown globally. This track record of success has led to operations in Canada, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. PAL Aerospace offers a single point of accountability for its programs and takes pride in being the trusted choice for clients worldwide. 

SOURCE Airbus Defence and Space

Mike Powell, [phone], [email protected]; Kieran Daly, [phone], [email protected]; PAL Aerospace, Amanda Molloy, [phone], [email protected]