After signing a memorandum of understanding in May, Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace (PAL) made it official Tuesday, announcing a teaming agreement to pursue Canada’s fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) aircraft program.
The agreement, signed during the Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety conference in St. John’s, means PAL will be the main Canadian in-service support partner should the government select Airbus’ C295 aircraft to replace the CC-115 Buffalo and some CC-130 Hercules currently being used for SAR duties.
The companies said the partnership would create more than 100 jobs “while bringing significant investment to Newfoundland and Labrador over the 20-year life of the contract.”
“Provincial Aerospace brings 35 years of proven in-service support capability and world-class expertise as an integrator of advanced technology systems,” said Segisfredo Domingo, VP services sales for 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.”
Added Keith Stoodley, PAL’s senior vice president of business development and government relations: “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 Pratt & Whitney Canada (engines), CAE (simulators and training devices), Vector Aerospace (engine maintenance and overhauls), and L-3 WESCAM (electro/optical sensors).
