GENEVA, Switzerland – 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.
David Curtis, Viking president and CEO, commented, “After a long and thorough procurement process, Viking is proud to have been selected by the Vietnamese Navy to supply new DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, perfectly suited for use over Vietnam’s extensive 3400 km coastline. It is also significant to note that the Series 400 is the first western built, fixed-wing aircraft to be selected by the Vietnam Department of National Defense, another highlight to add to the long list of Twin Otter program milestones.”
Viking launched the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 production program in 2007, and currently has a production backlog of over $200M through 2014. Viking provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland Canada heritage line of aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7), and is part of Westerkirk Capital Inc., a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation and real estate sectors.
