Article Posted on : - Jun 18, 2015

SEVILLE, SPAIN (BNS): Saudi Arabia has ordered four C295W military transport aircraft from Airbus Military.

The C295W, an improved variant of the C295 medium-lift twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft and featuring winglets and enhanced engine settings, was chosen following an open competition, and after carrying out a complete evaluation.

The C295W has been chosen based on its demonstrated excellent operational capabilities in hot and severe conditions and its proven affordable maintenance and operational costs, Airbus Military said.

"We are very proud that the C295W is joining the Airbus A330 MRTT Multi-Role Tanker Transport and CN235 transports previously ordered by Saudi Arabia. We greatly appreciate the confidence shown in the C295W by a nation with long expertise in operating military aircraft in desert conditions," said Antonio Rodríguez Barberán, Head of Commercial for Military Aircraft.

Earlier this year, Mexico became the launch customer for the new variant of the strategic airlifter after receiving two C295Ws from the Airbus Group.

Winglets will now be standard for all new C295s ordered from now on, Airbus had said.

Together with the previous orders received from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan and Oman, the new order from Saudi Arabia cements the C295's position as the market-leading medium transport and patrol aircraft in the Middle East and North Africa region, the aircraft maker said.