Opens New Markets For The Military Transport Aircraft

Airbus Military has obtained civil certification for the C295 transport in a move which responds to the evolving requirements of agencies and operators conducting humanitarian and other “civic” operations. The new certification, awarded by Spain´s civil aviation authority AESA (Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea), confirms the C295´s compliance with the enhanced regulatory environment in this sector of the market. It underlines the aircraft´s suitability to address the growing market for emergency and humanitarian missions for international aid organisations, peacekeeping operations carried out by civil operators, and security operations by police forces and similar agencies.

The operations and configurations approved under this certification include personnel transport with side-facing seats for up to 70 occupants or “airline-style” seats for up to 51 occupants, medical evacuation with up to 21 NATO litters, mixed transport of personnel and cargo, carriage of up to eight cargo pallets, cargo aerial delivery, and operations on unpaved runways.

Additionally this new approval can be applied to aircraft delivered to governments and military customers that require type certification in accordance with civil airworthiness requirements.

“This certification has been successfully achieved after a great effort by both industry and regulatory specialists and certification teams,” said Isabel Maestre, AESA Director.

Airbus Military SVP Head of Engineering Miguel Angel Morell said: “The C295 has been designed from the outset as an exceptionally robust and reliable aircraft which is highly suitable for demanding “civic” operations for the benefit of society. Obtaining civil certification ensures its acceptability to all agencies operating in this area and cements its leadership in the sector.”

(C295 photo from file)

FMI: www.airbus.com