Provincial Aerospace and Airbus Defence and Space sign letter of intent to explore the extension of their relationship beyond the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue program

OTTAWA, March 31, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace signed a letter of intent which facilitates the exploration of extending their relationship internationally. Provincial Aerospace had previously been announced as Airbus Defence and Space's primary Canadian partner for its C295 aircraft in its bid to replace Canada's fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) aircraft. This agreement will go well beyond that.

"The ability to leverage the FWSAR program to create jobs and economic growth in Canada is a must," said Pablo Molina, Head of Airbus Defence and Space Military Aircraft Canada. "Airbus Defence and Space firmly believes that successful partnerships must extend beyond any one procurement program or contract. This agreement reinforces that commitment."

"Airbus Defence and Space is compatible with export-oriented Canadian companies such as Provincial Aerospace", said Keith Stoodley, Chief Development Officer of Provincial Aerospace. "This, combined with their demonstrated commitment to Canadian industry, presents the best and lowest-risk opportunities for Canadians to maximize economic benefits from the FWSAR program."

Through this letter of intent, Provincial Aerospace and Airbus Defence and Space, agreed to explore international collaborations for in-service support, mission systems integration, and aircraft modifications. The companies are committed to supporting and developing global supply chain opportunities for Canadian industry.

Provincial Aerospace and Airbus Defence and Space have demonstrated their ability to meet their obligations to Canadian industry. The C295 team is poised to do the same once again for the FWSAR tender. Airbus Group has a strong industrial presence in Canada, directly employing more than 1,800 people. In addition, Canadian companies are within the top 7 Airbus Group suppliers.

The C295 is the proven, reliable and low-risk solution for Canada's FWSAR program. It is the market leader in its segment with 155 aircraft sold so far to 21 countries. This will provide Provincial Aerospace and the rest of Canadian partners, including Pratt & Whitney Canada, CAE and L-3 Wescam, with access to a real and growing export market.

"This announcement showcases the extension of benefits to Canadian industry from the FWSAR program. With our Canadian partners, we look forward to continuing our record of success in Canada, and contributing to substantial economic growth well into the future", concluded Molina.

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 over 38,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €13 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 200,000 hours of airborne special mission operations, Provincial Aerospace offers our customers an unparalleled degree of experience and flexibility.

SOURCE Airbus Defence and Space

Image with caption: "Simon Jacques (Head of Airbus Defence and Space, Canada), Pablo Molina (Head, Airbus Defence and Space Military Aircraft Canada), Derek Scott (Vice President, Program Development, Provincial Aerospace) and Richard Poole (Business Development, Provincial Aerospace) sign a letter of intent to facilitate the exploration of extending their relationship internationally. (CNW Group/Airbus Defence and Space)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150331_C4860_PHOTO_EN_13741.jpg

Airbus Defence and Space: Maggie Bergsma, mobile [phone], maggie.bergsma@ airbus.com; Kieran Daly, mobile [phone] [email protected]; Michael Powell, 613-233-8906, mobile: [phone], [email protected]; Provincial Aerospace: Stephen Dinn, 709-570-1441, [email protected]