STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The Argentine air force announced it has contracted Sweden-based Saab Aircraft Leasing to buy four of the company's 340B midsize transport aircrafts.
The Saab Aircraft Leasing $34 million five-year contract order for the aircrafts and logistic support is in cooperation with Saab Aerotech. Officials say the contract is a culmination of a four-year selection process by the Argentine air force in order to select the best package of aircraft and support services.
"Saab Aircraft Leasing was declared as winner of this process and the two parties are now formalizing a final agreement that includes four completely overhauled Saab 340B aircraft together with a complete logistic package," the company said.
"This shows the capabilities of the leasing organization to bid and win an international bidding process for a government contract by using the resources within Saab Aircraft Leasing and the support of Saab's logistic provider Saab Aerotech," Michael Magnusson, Saab Aircraft Leasing president, said in a statement. "Previously Saab Aircraft Leasing and Saab Aerotech have secured contracts for Saab 340B aircraft from the Swedish air force as well as the Japanese coast guard."
Argentina officials say the 340B aircrafts will replace the older Fokker F27s and will be used in the Patagonia region in southern Argentina. All four aircrafts will be based and maintained in Comodoro Rivadavia.
"This is an exciting project for my team in Sterling as it will involve delivery of a complete logistics package for the operation in Patagonia," said Robert Kline, Saab Aerotech of America head of operations. "This will utilize all the support expertise currently available in the Sterling, backed up by Sweden."
