Viking to deliver six aircraft to the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence
Viking Air Limited (which is a subsidiary of Longview Aviation Capital) has announced a seven aircraft sales contract for six new-production CL-515 aircraft and one CL-415EAF. The aircraft will be delivered to the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence with a deadline of 2024 – four of the aircraft will be delivered in ‘First-Responder’ multi-mission configuration, two will be delivered in optimised aerial firefighter configuration.
The CL-515 is the next generation of the CANADAIR CL-415 – an amphibious aircraft with enhanced firefighting capabilities and the flexibility to support a wide range of critical mission operations. The Republic of Indonesia’s purchase agreement also includes one CANADAIR CL-415EAF ‘Enhanced Aerial Firefighter’ aircraft converted from a CANADAIR CL-215 to EAF standard by Longview Aviation Capital’s subsidiary, Longview Aviation Services.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Republic of Indonesia as the first customer for this extraordinary aircraft,” said David Curtis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Longview Aviation Capital. “This contract is a major milestone in bringing the next generation CANADAIR to market. The confidence of a sovereign government in our programme is matched by our own confidence in our ability to deliver this new aircraft platform to the world. We are very well advanced in all aspects of programme planning, including our supply chain, and we are nearing a final decision on manufacturing and final assembly sites. We expect to complete the remaining program milestones in the near future, and deliver the first new CL-515 on schedule in 2024.”
Air Chief Marshal Yuyu Sutisna, Chief of Staff for Indonesia’s Air Force, noted that an island nation such as Indonesia has extensive needs for a range of amphibious capabilities. “We have chosen to invest in this aircraft based on the CANADAIR’s solid track record demonstrated around the world over the last 50 years, and Viking’s established capabilities as an aircraft developer and producer,” said Sutisna. “This aircraft has the best productivity of any aerial firefighting aircraft, capable of delivering the highest quantity of foam retardant per day, while at the same time providing the flexibility to save lives and protect our coastal areas through its multi-role SAR and Maritime Surveillance functionalities. We are proud to sign the first contract for this extraordinary aircraft that will enhance our mission capability at excellent value.”