While not a Twin Otter news item, congratulations to Viking Air on their acquisition of all amphibious aircraft programs from Bombardier.
Viking Air Limited Acquires Worldwide CL-415 Waterbomber Program
from Bombardier Continues Canadian heritage of an iconic Canadian-designed aircraft
World’s leading firefighting aircraft to be supported and serviced from Calgary
VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, June 20, 2016 –– Viking Air Limited (“Viking”), a global leader
of utility aircraft, support and services and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter,
today announced the acquisition of the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier
(TSX:BBD.A) (TSX:BBD.B) (OTCQX:BDRBF). The amphibious aircraft program includes the
Bombardier CL-415 waterbomber and its variants, as well as the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T
versions. The Bombardier 415 is the aviation industry’s benchmark amphibious aircraft and the
backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. Designed and built in Canada with a
heritage that dates back almost 50 years, it is the only western aircraft purpose-built for
firefighting.
The transaction will see Viking acquire the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all
variants of Bombardier’s amphibious aircraft, and assume responsibility for product support,
parts and service for the fleet of some 170 waterbombers in service with 21 operators in 11
countries around the world. This follows Viking’s successful model of acquiring, supporting and
sustaining utility aircraft programs, including manufacturing the world-renowned Twin Otter
Series 400 aircraft. Viking will support the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from a newly
acquired and specially repurposed 50,000 square foot facility in Calgary. Terms of the
transaction were not disclosed.
“This acquisition expands Viking’s capabilities in product support and parts into another vital
niche aviation segment, and ensures that a unique and important Canadian innovation stays in
Canada,” said David Curtis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. “We are proud to
add another iconic Canadian aircraft program to Viking’s stable – our aim is to take the 415 to its
highest potential and keep these aircraft in service for decades to come. This transaction builds
on our presence in British Columbia and Alberta and expands on the existing strengths of the
western Canadian aerospace industry. At the same time, we will continue to rely on an
extensive supply chain in Quebec and Ontario to support both the amphibious aircraft and Twin
Otter programs.”
Today, Viking employs approximately 88 people in Calgary and more than 330 at its
headquarters and facilities in Victoria. With this new program Viking expects to add up to 40
people to its workforce in Victoria and Calgary.
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Viking’s new facility located near Calgary International Airport (CYYC) is in addition to the
company’s existing 70,000 square foot facility at CYYC. Viking’s existing facilities in Calgary will
be repurposed to accommodate existing Twin Otter activities, as well as the addition of the
amphibious aircraft program.
Western Canada is today home to a number of Canadian aerospace companies and Viking is
proud to support and participate in the growth of the industry in the region. Viking sells its
products and services internationally, making an important contribution to Canadian exports and
contributing Canadian innovation to the world.
The Bombardier 415 Amphibious Waterbomber
The world-renowned Bombardier 415 waterbomber is a key part of Canada’s rich aerospace
heritage. The amphibious waterbomber was originally developed by Canadair in the 1960s, and
has its origins in flying boats used in World War II. The original version, the CL-215, had its
maiden flight in 1967 and went into production in 1969. The aircraft was later advanced by
Bombardier into the 415 which was introduced in 1994.
Recognized as the best aerial firefighting aircraft in the world, the Bombardier 415 – also known
as the SuperScooper – needs only 12 seconds to scoop its 6,137-litre load while skimming at
high speed over water. The aircraft is a key strategic asset for government and community
firefighting efforts in Canada and around the world. While primarily a firefighting aircraft, these
have multi-mission capabilities, including for uses like maritime patrol, and search and rescue.
The Bombardier 415 is a dependable aircraft, capable of remaining in service for decades with
proper maintenance and support. As with Viking’s successful business supporting, servicing and
manufacturing the Twin Otter and other utility aircraft, there is a long-term opportunity to
manufacture parts and provide ongoing support to the in-service fleet.
Viking is part of the portfolio of a prominent Canadian family office investment firm which
maintains a long-term investment horizon and is one of the leading investors in the Canadian
aviation industry.
942 - DHC-6-400 C-FBLZ Viking Air Ltd., Sidney, BC
Flew Spokane, WA - Victoria, BC
19-Jun-2016 after painting, and is seen on arrival in the photo below with thanks to
Tim Martin.
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MSN 942 - DHC-6-400 C-FBLZ
Viking Air (Rosneft)
Victoria, BC 19-Jun-2016
Tim Martin Photo |
Meanwhile, another Rosneft machine is seen below having already been delivered, with thanks to
www.ag24.ru
