Article Posted on : - Jul 17, 2014

Airbus C295 transport aircraft: Photo: Airbus Defence and Space

FARNBOROUGH (BNS): Egypt has ordered eight more Airbus C295 transports in a deal which will take its fleet to 20 and makes it the biggest customer for the market-leading tactical airlifter.

The new batch of aircraft will be delivered to the Egyptian Air Force by Airbus Defence and Space beginning next year and will follow the 12 aircraft previously ordered, of which six are already in service.

The contract awarded at the ongoing Farnborough International Air Show also includes a service support package for spares, training, and maintenance of the fleet.

The Egyptian Air Force selected the C295 because of its proven versatility, robustness and efficiency for daily transport missions combined with the ease of maintenance and low cost of operations particularly in the 'hot and high' and dusty conditions found in the region, Airbus DS said.

In Egyptian service the C295 will be used for military and humanitarian missions such as the transport of civilian and military personnel as well as support to populations in remote areas or in emergency situations.