Airbus forms joint venture in bid for Canadian contract

TOULOUSE, France, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Airbus Defense and Space and Canada's Provincial Aerospace have formed a joint venture company in a bid for a Canadian government contract.

The new company, AirPro SAR Services, will be the Canadian in-service support integrator of Canada's Fixed Wing Search and Rescue fleet of C295W aircraft if Airbus wins its bid for the replacement of existing Buffalo and Hercules SAR aircraft.

"AirPro brings together Provincial Aerospace and Airbus Defense and Space as the Canadian ISS integrator in our proposal for the FWSAR program," said Antonio Rodriguez-Barberan, senior vice-president of Commercial, Special Projects for Airbus Defense 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."

"AirPro is a joint venture that reflects the Airbus Defense and Space commitment to Canadian Industry," added Provincial Aerospace Chief Executive Officer 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."

The C295 from Airbus is the market leader in its class with more than 165 units sold worldwide to over 20 operators.

"The C295W is the best plane for Canada's needs and is exceeding expectations with air forces around the world," said 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."