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Nov. 1 at a special ceremony in Summerside, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Airbus Military and Vector Aerospace Engine Services – Atlantic (ES-A) announced a partnership that will help secure aerospace jobs in Prince Edward Island. ES-A will provide engine maintenance for Airbus Military’s C295 as part of its bid to replace Canada’s fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) aircraft. If Airbus is successful, this will be worth almost $150 million over the 20-year life of the contract.
“Airbus Military is very proud to celebrate this important partnership with ES-A,” said Antonio R. Barberán, senior vice president for Airbus Military. “This partnership will help bring long-term high-technology aerospace jobs to Prince Edward Island. This is in keeping with Airbus’ already outstanding commitment to Canadian content for our aircraft.”
The C295 is the market leader in military search and rescue (SAR), maritime patrol and medium transport. To date, 123 aircraft have been sold to 16 different countries. The C295 boasts substantial Canadian content- about 20% of the aircraft. In addition to ES-A, the C295’s engines are built by Pratt & Whitney Canada, simulators by CAE and electro/optical sensors by L-3 Wescam. Discovery Air will provide in-service support for the aircraft over the life of the contract.
“Vector Aerospace Engine Services – Atlantic is very pleased to partner with Airbus on this important project that will provide benefits to all Canadians,” said Jeff Poirier, president of ES-A. “We are very proud to have built a reputation for excellent service and support right here in PEI. Our partnership with Airbus Military, and the business it brings, on a project as important as the FWSAR program reinforces that.”
This commitment to the PEI aerospace industry is a part of Airbus’ large overall commitment to Canadian industry. Over the past 25 years, Airbus has become an integral component of Canada’s aerospace, defence and advanced technology sectors. Its Canadian operations boast six business units that have over $450-million in annual sales and employ 1,700 people in 11 centres across the country, with an additional 4,000 jobs supported indirectly.
This commitment to Canadian industry means that Airbus’ industrial regional benefit (IRB) proposals are based on facts and reliable potential activities. Already, Airbus has eight banking transactions with Industry Canada worth more than $800 million.
“Airbus Military aircraft, like the C295, are proven, reliable, and low risk. We’ve earned that reputation by working with the best suppliers in the world,” concluded Barberán. “That’s why we’re committed to Canadian companies like Vector Aerospace Engine Services – Atlantic, which provide world class service for our world-leading aircraft.”
