Tag: Middle (Page 5 of 6)

Boeing and EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering Sign MRO Service Agreement

November 17, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Supply chain deals include Landing Gear Exchange and Quick Engine Change kit solutions
Companies also establish agreement to add regional MRO provider to Boeing’s growing global network

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2019 — Boeing [NYSE:BA] and EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING (EGME) today announced agreements that will approve the Cairo-based MRO as Boeing’s first maintenance supplier in Africa and the Middle East region. The agreement enables EGME to provide aircraft, engines and component maintenance services and solutions to Boeing customers.

EGME will also receive landing gear exchange and overhaul support through the Boeing Landing Gear Exchange Program. The program provides flexible exchange solutions that allow customers to quickly repair and replace serviceable landing gear in hours.

Boeing will also supply parts for a Quick Engine Change kit. The kit includes hardware and components used to efficiently build up a spare engine to service-ready condition, lowering the maintenance time required to replace an engine and return aircraft to service.

“EGYPTAIR is optimizing operations for our growing fleet, which includes a sixth 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, to always deliver a better experience for our customers,” said Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. “We are able to leverage the strength of a global supply chain network and increase efficiency by continuing to partner with Boeing.”

EGYPTAIR’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) subsidiary, EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering (EGME), also signed a supplier agreement that will allow EGME to support Boeing’s customers with parts provisioning, engineering support and line maintenance.

“EGYPTAIR Maintenance & Engineering brings strong technical expertise with locations across the Middle East and Africa that enable us to better serve our customers in the region,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. “Our customers rely on us to keep their airplanes in revenue service. With our global supplier network, which now includes EGME, we help make sure that our customers and their passengers fly Boeing airplanes with confidence every single day.”

“It’s another milestone in EGME’s strategy of growth in the global market as a leading MRO in Africa and the Middle East region,” said Mostafa Ali El-Din, chairman and CEO of EGME. “We are pleased to be part of Boeing’s global network, which reflects a great trust in our capabilities and personnel experience. EGME will utilize its wide-scope capabilities to provide the best technical services to customers who aspire for well-maintained fleet in service.”

In Boeing’s Services Market Outlook, the company forecasts rapid growth in the Middle East region’s commercial and government aviation services market, doubling the growth rate in North America.

Boeing, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Announce Order for Two 787-9 Dreamliner Jets

November 17, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Dreamliner family pivotal to airline’s strategy of operating a modern fleet
Biman pilots begin using Jeppesen Flite Deck Pro X to access mobile charts, navigational information to increase situational awareness

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Biman) announced today at the 2019 Dubai Airshow that the carrier is expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet with two additional airplanes valued at $585 million at list prices.

The purchase – recorded in October as an unidentified order on Boeing’s website – complements Biman’s fleet of 787-8 jets with the larger and longer-range 787-9 variant. The national flag carrier of Bangladesh says the addition of the 787-9 will help modernize its fleet and expand its international network.

“One of our key priorities is to have a modern fleet with technologically-advanced airplanes that will enable us to expand our international reach,” said Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Former Chief of Air Staff, Chairman Board of Directors, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “While we have a good domestic network, we plan to extend our international network to include more destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 787 with its technological superiority, excellent operational performance and passenger experience will enable us to achieve that goal,” he added.

The 787-9 is part of a three-member family that offers long range and unmatched fuel efficiency in the 200 to 350 seat market. For Biman Bangladesh, the 787-9 can carry 298 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and fly up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kms) while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25 percent compared to older airplanes.

“Biman Bangladesh is showing us the powerful potential of the Dreamliner family. Just last month, the airline launched a new non-stop flight from its hub in Dhaka to Medina, Saudi Arabia. It’s a great example of the 787-8 serving as a ‘market opener.’ And now, Biman adds the 787-9 which brings more seats, more range and more cargo-carry capability for the routes that need it. The two will form a profitable network solution for Biman,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing also provides services that help Biman operate more efficiently. As part of a multiyear agreement, the airline’s pilots this year began using the Jeppesen Flite Deck Pro X electronic flight bag (EFB) platform to access mobile charts and navigational information, increasing their situational awareness on the ground and in the air.

Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has enabled the opening of more than 250 new point-to-point routes and saved more than 45 billion pounds of fuel. Designed with the passenger in mind, the 787 family delivers an unparalleled experience with the largest windows of any commercial jet, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, comfortable cabin air that is cleaner and more humid and includes soothing LED lighting.

Jet Grounding and Delays Overshadow Dubai Airshow

November 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

FILE PHOTO: Emirates Airline Boeing 777 planes at are seen Dubai International Airport in Dubai

DUBAI (Reuters) – An eight-month crisis over the grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX jets and widespread industrial delays are setting an unpredictable backdrop to next week’s Dubai Airshow, with some airlines reviewing fleet plans even as others look for bargains.

The biennial civil and military expo is a major showcase for wares from jumbo jets to military drones but faces growing questions over demand and the capability of overstretched suppliers, delegates arriving for the Nov. 17-21 event said.

Top of their agenda will be the worldwide grounding of the 737 MAX in the wake of two deadly crashes.

Investors who have pushed up Boeing <BA> shares believe the planemaker is turning a corner after the eight month grounding, with the company predicting commercial flights in January. But it also faces a logjam of undelivered jets that could take 1-2 years to unwind.

State-owned flydubai expects its fleet will now shrink by a third this year, highlighting the cost of the grounding for the biggest MAX customer outside the United States. “Flydubai has very big ambitions … given the scale of those ambitions, there’s little they can do but wait and watch, like everyone else,” said Teal Group analyst Richard Aboulafia.

Boeing lost one potential MAX customer earlier this year as Saudi budget airline flyadeal ditched a provisional order.

Experts say airline frustrations with plane and engine makers could also disrupt plans by the world’s largest jetmakers pushing for order endorsements. The Middle East’s largest aerospace event will give Airbus <EADSY> and Boeing a chance to sit with some of their top customers who have threatened to walk from billions in deals.

The planemakers are struggling to deliver aircraft on time, forcing airlines to delay expansion plans, while engines on some jets are consistently causing issues for carriers.

“This seems to be a systemic issue across the board,” said Novus Aviation Capital Managing Director Mounir Kuzbari.

“As a result, we see stress on the relationship between airlines and the plane and engine makers.” Dubai’s Emirates, by far the region’s biggest airline, has issued a stern warning to plane and engine makers. It will no longer take delivery of aircraft that do not meet performance expectations, raising doubts over $35 billion in pending orders.

Airbus, Boeing and engine makers will be looking to allay concerns as they finalise jet sales with Emirates, which is also looking at reducing an order for the delayed Boeing 777X.

Airbus is seen close to a final order for A330neo and A350 jets while Boeing aims to salvage a provisional order for 787s.

GULF PRESSURE

Air Arabia could, however, steal the show with a planned order of up to 120 Airbus jets, industry sources say.

Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways is in negotiations with Airbus and Boeing for around two dozen airplanes.

Past editions of Dubai’s premier trade event have featured blockbuster deals, often led by Emirates as Gulf carriers redrew the aviation map around their ‘super-connector’ hubs.

But the Gulf hub model is increasingly under pressure as the once-rapid growth of the region’s biggest airlines slows.

“The market continues to be weak for all airlines in the region; we should see a further 2-3% reduction in passenger numbers for the full year,” said Diogenis Papiomytis, Frost & Sullivan’s Global Program Director for Commercial Aviation.

Middle East military leaders touring the displays will try to gauge whether they are on the cusp of another regional splurge on weapons after an escalation in Gulf tensions.

A series of attacks over the summer has highlighted potential security gaps among some of the world’s top defence spenders who now increasingly buy from China and Russia.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell, Tim Hepher, Ankit Ajmera, Stanley Carvalho; Editing by Mark Potter)

Philippine Cebu Air Signs Airbus Aircraft Deal for $4.8 Billion

November 3, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Cebu Air finalises order for 16 Airbus jets

Expected to cut cost per seat, fuel emission

A330neo’s to be delivered between 2021 and 2024

Nov 4 (Reuters) – Philippines’ Cebu Air Inc has finalised the purchase of 16 long-range Airbus A330 neo jets worth $4.8 billion at list prices, the airline said on Monday.

The budget carrier, which operates 74 aircraft, mostly Airbus A320s, under the brand Cebu Pacific, is turning to larger and fuel-efficient jets for expansion, despite limited slots at the main gateway in the Philippine capital.

Scheduled to be delivered between 2021 and 2024, the 16 A330neo aircraft will be deployed on routes in the Philippines, Asia, Australia and the Middle East, Cebu Air said in a statement.

Reuters first reported that Cebu Air was close to buying A330neo or Boeing 787 aircraft in May.

In June, Cebu Air signed a signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire 16 A330neos, 10 A321XLRs and five A320neos, worth about $6 billion in total at list prices, during the Paris Air Show.

The new Airbus aircraft will cut fuel emissions and costs per seat, said Cebu Air Chief Executive Lance Gokongwei, adding that it would also help maximise seating capacity and the airline’s valuable slots in Manila and other major Asian cities.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

S. Korea Display F-35 Stealth Jets seen by the North as a Threat

September 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

SEOUL, Oct 1 (Reuters) – South Korea showcased newly acquired F-35 stealth fighter jets to mark Armed Forces Day on Tuesday as President Moon Jae-in tried to allay concerns that his policy of engagement with North Korea would weaken the South’s commitment to defence.

At an event marking the founding of the South Korean military, Moon said South Korean fighter jets conducted patrol flights offshore, including over islands at the centre of a bitter territorial dispute with Japan.

North Korea has criticised the South’s weapons procurements and its joint military drills with the U.S. military as undisguised preparations for war that are forcing it to develop new short-range missiles.

Moon has thrown his support behind dialogue to end the North’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, urging that working-level negotiations between the North and the United States be held soon. No new dates or locations have been set.

Moon marked Armed Forces Day at a ceremony at an airbase in the city of Daegu that highlighted four of the eight Lockheed Martin F-35A jets delivered this year. Forty of the aircraft are to be delivered by 2021.

During the event, an F-15K jet patrolled over the islands claimed by both South Korea and Japan and called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan.

Moon made no direction mention of North Korea or Japan but said today’s security climate was highly unpredictable, requiring strength and innovation.

“As the recent drone attack in the Middle East region demonstrated to the world, the challenges that we will face will be entirely different from those of the past,” he said in an address to the military. “The war of the future will be a fight of science and intelligence against all elements that threaten our people’s safety and property.”

Analysts have said the F-35 stealth jets put North Korea’s anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence systems in a vulnerable position.

Negotiations aimed at dismantling North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes have stalled since a second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un broke down in February over disagreements on denuclearisation.

North Korea blamed the United States on Monday for a failure to restart talks, with Pyongyang’s U.N. ambassador Kim Song saying it was time for Washington to share proposals for talks that showed Washington had adopted a new “calculation method”.

South Korea and the United States have separately begun talks for a new military burden-sharing agreement to decide how much South Korea will pay for stationing what is now about 28,500 U.S. troops in the country.

Moon told Trump during a summit in New York last week what South Korea would contribute, including an increase in purchases of U.S. weapons and future purchase plans, a senior official at South Korea’s presidential office said.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee Editing by Jack Kim, Paul Tait and Gerry Doyle)

Tunisair Express Acquires Three ATR 72-600’s

September 6, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, 5 September 2019 – Tunisair Express and ATR, the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, today confirm a firm order for three ATR 72-600s. The aircraft will renew Tunisair Express’s regional fleet and supply essential connectivity, both domestically and internationally.

The market-leading modern ATR turboprops support airline operations by burning 40% less fuel and emitting 40% less CO2, compared to a regional jet. The ATR -600 cabin will also introduce the best onboard experience to Tunisair Express passengers, including the ATR’s Cabinstream™ In-Flight Entertainment system, enabling passengers to enjoy their flight by accessing a range of multimedia content on their personal electronic devices.

Tunisair Express Director General, Yosr Chouari, said: “We have had a long and strong partnership with ATR since the early 1990s, and we are pleased to introduce the modern ATR 72-600 into our fleet thanks to the support of the Tunisian Government and parent company Tunisair. When deciding on a fleet renewal strategy, it was clear that the combination of its unbeatable economics and most eco-responsible performance made the ATR the best choice for our regional network. Furthermore, we are sure that our passengers will greatly appreciate the modern, spacious cabin with its widest-in-class seats and the new cutting edge Cabinstream™ technology giving our passengers an exceptional on board experience.”

ATR Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Bortoli, commented: “The decision of Tunisair Express for three new ATR 72-600s is a further endorsement of our product and validates our policy of continuous development. With a dispatch reliability of 99.7%, its effectiveness in hot conditions, and its performance perfectly suited to the operations envisaged by Tunisair, the ATR is the ideal aircraft to continue supplying essential connectivity throughout Tunisia and beyond its borders.”

ATR’s Market Forecast sees a demand for 350 new turboprops over the next 20 years for the Africa and Middle-East region. Regional aviation provides essential connectivity around the world. A 10% increase in regional flights generates additional increases of 5% in tourism, 6% in regional GDP and 8% foreign direct investment. Turboprops are key in connecting communities around the world: 36% of all commercial airports rely exclusively on turboprops and 50% rely, also exclusively, on regional aircraft.

About Tunisair Express:
Tunisair Express is a Tunisian public airline that is a subsidiary of the Tunisair group. It serves the Tunisian domestic network as well as nearby international destinations. The company also offers a charter service, notably to European tour operators. Tunisair Express as created in August 1991, under the name Tuninter and operated its first flight in March 1992. The company transports over 300,000 passengers every year across its network. The renewal of its fleet will allow Tunisair Express, to both reinforce its domestic and neighbouring services from Tunis, as well as open new routes.

AirAsia Inks Major Deals with Airbus

August 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

AirAsia X orders 12 more A330neo and 30 A321XLR aircraft

AirAsia X, the long-haul unit of the AirAsia Group, has finalised a firm order with Airbus for an additional 12 A330-900 and 30 A321XLR aircraft. The contract was signed by Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman, AirAsia X Berhad and Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus in Kuala Lumpur today, in the presence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia Group, who was present at the signing, said: “This order reaffirms our selection of the A330neo as the most efficient choice for our future wide-body fleet. In addition, the A321XLR offers the longest flying range of any single-aisle aircraft and will enable us to introduce services to new destinations. Together, these aircraft are perfect partners for long-haul low-cost operations and will allow us to build further on our market leading position in this fast-growing sector.”

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X Berhad, said: “Today’s announcement is testament to our confidence and commitment to longer haul air travel. This is the future of our long-haul operations. The A330neo’s revolutionary new features and modifications will move our long-haul service sectors up to a higher level and allow AirAsia X to look at expanding beyond the eight-hour flight radius, such as to Europe, for example.”

Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus commented: “AirAsia X has been the pioneer of the long-haul low-cost model in the Asia-Pacific region. This new order for the A330neo and A321XLR is a true endorsement of the Airbus solution to meet mid-market demand with a combination of single-aisle and wide-body products. This powerful solution will provide AirAsia X with the lowest possible operating costs to expand its network and enable even more people to fly further than ever before.”

The new contract increases the number of A330neo aircraft ordered by AirAsia X to 78, reaffirming the carrier’s status as the largest airline customer for the type. Meanwhile, the A321XLR order sees the wider AirAsia Group strengthen its position as the world’s largest airline customer for the A320 Family, having now ordered a total of 622 aircraft.

AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of 36 A330-300s on services to points within the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. In addition, in August, the first A330neo joined the fleet of AirAsia’s Bangkok-based long haul affiliate, AirAsia X Thailand. The aircraft is the first of two leased A330neos joining the airline’s Thai affiliate by the end of the year.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A321LR which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. From 2023, it will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700 nm – 15% more than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft.

The A330neo is a true new generation aircraft building on the A330’s success and leveraging on A350 XWB technology. It incorporates the highly efficient new generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and a new higher span 3D optimised wing with new Sharklets. Together these advances bring a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 25% compared with older generation competitor aircraft of a similar size. The A330 is one of the most popular wide-body families ever, having received over 1,700 orders from more than 120 customers.

New W Muscat Hotel Opens In Oman

August 26, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Lavish Playground Set to Shake up the Coastal Haven with Bold Design, Eclectic Programming and Oman’s First Siddharta Lounge By Buddha-Bar

MUSCAT, Oman, Aug. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Make a splash! W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International Inc., today announced the opening of W Muscat, the brand’s newest beachfront W Escape and the second to open in the Middle East this year. Set against the stunning backdrop of the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, which form a stark contrast to the historic capital city’s lively waterfront, W Muscat sits at the intersection of the bustling Shatti Al Qurum area. The new hotel opens in an ideal locale to bring the W brand’s signature take on playful luxury to the serene waterfront of Oman.

Fabulous Room at W Muscat — Fabulous Room at the W Muscat

“Muscat is a fascinating and exciting city. Its cultural DNA honors millennia of tradition while looking to what’s new and next – an ideal match for the W brand,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “The arrival of W in Muscat marks a new chapter for both the brand and this buzzing metropolis. The hotel reinterprets Omani design and cultural traditions to create a modern, energetic and stylish Escape unlike anything the sultanate has seen before.”

Dive In
The architectural narrative of W Muscat immerses guests in the concept of exploration and the illustrious storytelling tradition of the nomadic Bedouin traveler. Its striking design is inspired by the diverse and vibrant natural locale – from the rugged mountain range to the vast Omani desert, the sparkling bay to the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Colorful hints of Muscat’s vibrant culture are interspersed throughout the spaces to evoke the mystery and adventure of the city’s rich heritage and storied past. W Muscat is a bold remix of traditional charm, natural beauty and the disruptive W DNA.

Welcoming guests upon arrival is a striking, nine-ton frankincense tree sculpture designed by renowned artist Pongsatat Uaiklang that pays tribute to Omani culture. Standing at an impressive 10 meters tall, the piece is made of solid stainless steel, welded from 28 winding pieces. In traditional Omani culture, frankincense was used to bless and welcome weary travelers after their long journeys. In that same tradition, guests are then ushered into the inviting Living Room (W’s signature take on the lobby) where they can relax and unwind in an Arabic Majlis, beneath an oversized installation of the Omani Kummas, chic headgears that are unmistakable marks of the Omani attire. Whether looking for a re-energizing iced tea or a cocktail, The Living Room is the perfect venue to see and be seen.

Hit Escape
All of the 279 guestrooms and suites at W Muscat provide uninterrupted views of the glistening blue water, with their design drawing inspiration from the ocean as well as the asymmetrical lines of the nearby mountains, caves and desert. These are contrasted with art deco detailing, reminiscent of traditional Omani charm. Asymmetrical corridors across the floors depict an artistic theme of ‘every girl has a story’ through locally commissioned holographic artworks depicting a female perspective of power, love, peace and beauty. Designed for an extra spacious and edgy stay is the EWOW suite (the brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite) which features subtle Arabic characteristics with a distinctive W edge. The corner Majlis seating showcases a Zanzibar-inspired print, a nod to the Omani Kumma or headgear, set against an inviting coffee table in celebration of Arabic coffee or Qahwa. The ceiling features tilted white paneling, evoking the intimacy of relaxing inside a tent. A saddle-like leather chair, bold mustard yellow stool, and faux fur wall are inspired by horse or camelback travel. Stacked luggage trunks comprise the MIXBAR (the W spin on the minibar) while a trunk closet lined with exotic silk links back to the narrative of the nomad.

Dassault Aviation Appoints Carlos Brana Executive Vice President of Civil Aircraft

July 16, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Dassault Aviation has appointed Carlos Brana Executive Vice President, Civil Aircraft.

After graduating from the Ecole Centrale de Paris and from France’s HEC, Carlos Brana began his career at Dassault in 1984 as a design engineer on the Rafale, Mirage F1 and Mirage 2000 combat aircraft programs. He was later assistant manager for the Mirage 2000 program, then contract manager for the Qatar and Taiwan Mirage 2000-5 contracts.

After joining the foreign military sales force in 1998, he led the negotiating team for the Rafale proposal in South Korea before being named Director of Military Sales for the Middle East.

Carlos Brana moved to Dassault Aviation’s business jet operation in 2005. He began as Director of Sales for Asia at Dassault Falcon Jet (DFJ). He was later named Vice President for Contracts & Specifications, and subsequently Senior Vice President for DFJ Operations, with responsibility for customer service, finance and contract management. He also oversaw activities at the Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS) affiliate, which manages company-owned service centers in the Americas.

Since 2016 Carlos Brana served as Olivier Villa’s deputy as Senior Vice President, Civil Aircraft with a special focus on worldwide Falcon business jet sales and marketing.

Viking Plans Demonstration Tour for Guardian 400 Twin Otter

May 30, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Ottawa, Ontario, May 29th, 2019: Today during the CANSEC Defence & Security show, Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia has announced its plans to hold a world demonstration tour for its Guardian 400 aircraft, the special missions variant of the Viking Series 400 Twin Otter. The world tour will include detailed briefings and demonstration flights in Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, South East Asia, Oceania, and North America.

For the past six months, a production Series 400 Twin Otter has been undergoing modifications to transform into Viking’s Guardian 400 demonstrator aircraft for the proposed world tour. It will feature a right-hand SCAR pod with Hensoldt Argos EO/IR imaging turret, multi-spectral HDTV camera, mega-pixel HD Thermal imager, laser range finder, multi-mode auto tracker, and Remote Image Bus (RIB) video feed for display on the cockpit MFD or crew workstation. The demonstrator will also feature a left-hand SCAR pod with Leonardo Osprey Radar System and Sentient Vidar Camera system.

In addition to its mission sensor package, the Guardian 400 prototype will be equipped with an Airborne Technologies’ tactical workstation with high-definition touchscreen monitors, data/voice/video recorder, Mission Management Unit (MMU), mission radio communications, intuitive hand controller for MCU & SLR camera targeting, CarteNav AIMS mission system software, Kestrel MTI targeting software, and IKHANA ergonomic mission seat for optimized crew comfort. The prototype will also be equipped with Viking conformal bubble windows, left and right wing-mounted hard points by IKHANA, Thunder Bay Aviation stretcher racks, and an aft lavatory for crew comfort.

With a target launch date of September 2019, the Guardian 400 world tour has briefing and demonstration flights proposed throughout Europe, North Africa, Central Africa, Southeastern Africa, the Middle East, Southern Asia, Asia Pacific, North America and will culminate in Ottawa, Canada to coincide with the 2020 CANSEC Defence & Security show.

“As we’ve anticipated development of a Guardian 400 technical demonstrator for many years, to now be able to show off its unique performance capabilities and incredible versatility to interested military and government organizations in their home countries is exciting to say the least,” said Robert Mauracher, Viking executive vice president, Sales & Marketing. “While the tour details are still under development, we encourage interested parties to contact us if they wish to participate in a flight demonstration.”

About the Guardian 400 Twin Otter:

Viking developed the Guardian 400 in response to foreign military and government agency demand for a medium-range maritime patrol, SAR and critical infrastructure platform based on the new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Designed as an economical force multiplier for 21st century surveillance and security requirements, the Guardian 400’s low acquisition and operating costs combined with its modern, flexible architecture allows it to be customized to suit operators’ financial and mission requirements.

The Guardian 400’s robust design, minimal maintenance requirements, and exceptional short-field performance capabilities make it ideally suited for specialized government operations in extreme environments. Certified under the restricted category, the Guardian 400’s increased take-off weight and extended range internal Patrol Tank allow for operational sorties over 10 hours in duration.

Trusted by the governments of Peru, Panama, the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, over thirty Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft have now entered service in various roles, including maritime surveillance, search & rescue, parachute operations, pipeline monitoring, drug enforcement, medevac, and critical infrastructure support.

AirAsia X orders 12 more A330neo and 30 A321XLR aircraft

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