Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace Announce Creation of AirPro SAR Services

OTTAWA, Jan. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, following the submission of their proposal for Canada's Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) replacement program; Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace formally announced the establishment of AirPro SAR Services (AirPro).

AirPro is a joint venture that, upon contract award, will be the Canadian in-service support integrator of the FWSAR C295W fleet for the life of its service in Canada. As the FWSAR ISS integrator, AirPro is a critical component of the companies' proven, reliable, and low-risk solution. Airbus Defence and Space offers Canada a single point of accountability for the life of the program, combining the deep experience of both partners through AirPro.

"AirPro brings together Provincial Aerospace and Airbus Defence and Space as the Canadian ISS integrator in our proposal for the FWSAR program," said Antonio Rodriguez-Barberan, Senior Vice-President Commercial, Special Projects for Airbus Defence and Space. "Both companies successfully deliver ISS services around the world and we are excited to combine our experience and expertise to bid an optimal solution for Canada. The C295W ISS model is used by more than 20 operators around the world and has a proven track record of maximizing mission success. If the Airbus Defence and Space offer is selected, AirPro will utilize this trusted ISS model and combine it with deep domestic experience to ensure the best and most cost effective solution for Canada throughout the entirety of this program. AirPro brings together two world-class companies for the benefit of Canadian industry."

"AirPro is a joint venture that reflects the Airbus Defence and Space commitment to Canadian Industry," said Provincial Aerospace CEO Brian Chafe. The skills and technology required to service Canadian C295W aircraft will reside in Canada with Canadians who will complete the work required over the lifetime of the FWSAR program. Provincial Aerospace brings significant ISS experience to AirPro and is providing ISS services to similar missionized military and paramilitary aircraft domestically and internationally. These aircraft have collectively accumulated over 250,000 hours of flying time in challenging operational environments such as Canada's Maritime and Arctic environments. "The domestic and global ISS experience that we bring to AirPro will ensure that Canada is able to maximize DND's mission success, ensuring reliable aircraft are ready to help Canadians in need," added Jake Trainor, Chief Operating Officer for Provincial Aerospace.  

The C295 is the market leader in its class with more than 165 units sold worldwide to over 20 operators. It serves a broad range of critical and challenging requirements including search and rescue, maritime patrol, and troop transport. In addition to Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace, the C295W team includes a number of other leading and export oriented Canadian companies, such as Pratt and Whitney Canada, CAE, and L3 Wescam. The C295W program is immersed in Canadian technology, products, and services.

"The C295W is the best plane for Canada's needs and is exceeding expectations with air forces around the world," concluded Barberan. "We are excited to have submitted our bid for Canada's new fleet of search and rescue aircraft. AirPro offers Canada and Canadian industry a unique opportunity to capitalize upon the global experience of Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace."

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 Canadian aerospace and defence company with a focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions. Recognized by governments and militaries for on time/on budget delivery, and high reliability rates, the company has grown globally. This track record of success has led to operations in Canada, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Provincial Aerospace offers a single point of accountability for its programs and takes pride in being the trusted choice for clients worldwide.

About AirPro

AirPro is a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace and,  pending contract award, will be the Canadian supplier of in-service support for Canada's FWSAR program. It offers the combined experience and capability of Airbus Defence and Space and Provincial Aerospace. AirPro brings global expertise in aircraft knowledge and operational support for challenging special mission operations for the benefit of Canada and Canadian Industry. Skills and technology required to service Canadian C295W aircraft, will reside in Canada with Canadians.

SOURCE Airbus Defence and Space

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, 709-570-1441, 709-725-0027, [email protected]