Vietnam Navy to purchase first-ever western built-aircraft

Viking Air of Victoria, BC, Canada and the Vietnam Navy have finalized a purchase agreement for six DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. With this historic purchase the Vietnam Ministry of Defense has acquired its first-ever western built-aircraft, and the formation of the Navy's initial fixed-wing-aircraft Air Wing. The Series 400 Twin Otters are scheduled for delivery between 2012 through 2014, and will be equipped for amphibious operations. The six aircraft will be configured with convertible interiors covering VIP, commuter, and utility layouts, with three of the six designated "Guardian 400" maritime patrol variants. Ideally suited for the Navy's operations, the Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft will be used for transport, resupply, maritime surveillance and search and rescue throughout Vietnamese coastal regions. Included in the agreement are sensor package options, air conditioning, galley and lavatory installations, and a comprehensive spares support package. All technical and flight training from ab initio through commercial multi-engine, and including Twin Otter Series 400 amphibious float operating experience will be provided by Viking's sister organization Pacific Sky Aviation, a flight training unit located in Victoria International Airport, Canada. Representatives of the Vietnamese Navy, in collaboration with the GAET Company from the Ministry of Defense, have been working with Viking and its local representative, Canam Active Enterprises Inc., over the past several years to develop the contract. Following an extensive evaluation and configuration phase, the DHC-6 Series 400 was selected as best suited to meet the operational requirements of the Vietnam Navy.