Airbus Set To Win Search-And-Rescue Aircraft Deal From Canada: Source

Airbus-built C-295 has been selected by Canada to serve as the next fixed-wing search-and-rescue aircraft to replace the country’s fleet of aging C-130s and Buffalo planes under a potential $2.3 billion contract. 

The Canadian air force expects Airbus to complete aircraft deliveries by 2023 under the deal that would also include in-service support, DefenseNews reported today.

Canada has set to select Airbus Group to provide search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft, a source familiar with the matter was quoted as saying by Reuters Wednesday.

However, a formal decision on the matter is yet to be announced.

Airbus Defence and Space has collaborated with key Canadian firms for the project and other ventures on the C-295. Those include PAL Aerospace on in-service support, Pratt & Whitney Canada for engines, CAE for training and simulation, and L3 Wescam for the electro-optic sensors.

Airbus Group SE’s C-295 and Leonardo Aircraft’s C-27J Spartan had emerged as the front-runners for the Canadian contract. Though Embraer’s KC-390 is also part of the competition, it was not expected to win because the program was still in development and Canada’s government wanted an aircraft that is already certified.