MANILA, Philippines - The first of the three medium lift fixed wing aircraft acquired by the government from a Spanish company has been turned over to the Air Force.
In an article posted on its website last Wednesday, supplier Airbus Military said the transport plane was formally handed over in Seville, Spain, where the final assembly line is located.
The aircraft is now being ferried to the Philippines, Airbus said.
“The C295 will play a key role in the modernization of the (Air Force’s) transport fleet and will undertake a wide variety of military and humanitarian missions,” the company added.
Defense officials previously said the aircraft would be delivered within March 23 to 25 in Clark, Pampanga.
The C-295 will complement the three C-130 cargo planes in the Air Force inventory and will be used to transport supplies and personnel to mission areas. The air asset is expected to enhance the military’s lift capabilities.
The bidding for the purchase of three medium lift fixed wing aircraft was held last year.
Airbus submitted a bid of P5.29-billion, lower than the P5.3-billion approved outlay for the project.
The delivery of the two other C-295 planes has been slated for next year.
A C-295 plane can carry up to 9 tons of payload or up to 71 people at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt or 480 kilometers per hour.
Described by Airbus as a “very robust and reliable, highly versatile tactical airlifter,” the C-295 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines.
“Its simple systems design and robustness, its proven in service reliability, its excellent flying qualities and great versatility, as well as its remarkable transport capabilities make it the most efficient “workhorse” with the lowest fuel burn, as well as the best operating and maintenance costs in its category,” Airbus said.