Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace Reach Teaming Agreement for Canadian Search and Rescue Program

OTTAWA, Oct. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - At the Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety (MASS) conference, in St. John's, NL, Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace (PAL) reached a teaming agreement to pursue Canada's fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) aircraft program with Airbus Defence and Space's C295 aircraft. This agreement follows from a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year by the two companies.

"Provincial Aerospace brings 35 years of proven in-service support capability and world-class expertise as an integrator of advanced technology systems," said Mr. Segisfredo Domingo, VP Services Sales, Airbus Defence and Space. "Expertise such as this is what makes the C295 the world leader in military search and rescue, maritime patrol and medium transport with over 140 aircraft sold in 19 countries."

Through this agreement, Provincial Aerospace will be the main Canadian in-service support (ISS) partner for the C295 team seeking to replace Canada's aging CC-115 Buffalo and CC-130 Hercules aircraft currently being used for search and rescue duties. This partnership, if selected by the government of Canada, will create more than 100 jobs while bringing significant investment to Newfoundland and Labrador over the 20-year life of the contract.

"We are delighted to formalize our work with Airbus Defence and Space on such an important project for Canada," added Keith Stoodley, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Government Relations, Provincial Aerospace. "Like Airbus Defence and Space, we are an organization that is in the business of providing solutions to customers. Together, we will propose a proven, reliable SAR aircraft and mission system combination that is already in operation around the world. Moreover, Provincial Aerospace has the experience and innovative spirit to ensure the fleet of C295 SAR aircraft will reliably and affordably protect Canadians for decades to come."

Provincial Aerospace joins a strong group of Canadian C295 FWSAR partners, including Pratt & Whitney Canada, who provide engines for every aircraft; CAE, which manufactures simulators and training devices; Vector Aerospace which performs engine maintenance and overhauls; and L-3 WESCAM, which produces the electro/optical sensors or the "eyes" of the aircraft. Airbus Group also has a major footprint in Canada, employing 1,800 people with revenues of $500 million annually. 

"Canadians deserve the best FWSAR solution available," concluded Domingo. "The C295 is the world leader in its class for a reason. With our Canadian partners, we look forward to continuing this record of success in Canada."

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 40,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €14 billion per year.

About Provincial Aerospace
Provincial Aerospace is a fully integrated, international aerospace and defence company with a focus on mission systems design and integration, aircraft modifications, surveillance operations, logistics and in-service support. Having flown maritime surveillance aircraft for over 35 years for government, military and industry clientele, Provincial Aerospace has evolved into a world leader in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), and search and rescue (SAR) operations and in-service support.  Backed by over 175,000 hours of airborne special mission operations, Provincial Aerospace offers our customers an unparalleled degree of experience and flexibility.

SOURCE: Airbus Defence and Space

Media contacts: Airbus Defence and Space: Maggie Bergsma, mobile [phone], maggie.bergsma@ airbus.com; Kieran Daly, [phone], [email protected]; Michael Powell, 613-233-8906, mobile: [phone], [email protected]; Provincial Aerospace: Stephen Dinn, 709-725-0027, [email protected]