UAE purchases Dash-8 Q300 for Maritime Partrol

On the occasion of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2009, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces announced that Provincial Aerospace Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at $1.071 Billion AED (CAN $370 Million) to supply modifications for two Maritime Patrol Aircraft. These Maritime Patrol Aircraft are specialized long-range aircraft that will be designed to patrol the United Arab Emirates territorial waters, monitor pollution and support search and rescue activities. According to Brian Chafe, Chief Operating Officer at Provincial Aerospace, “The competition for this contract was international in scope and included some of the world’s largest aerospace and defence companies. It’s a huge win!”The contract includes the design, modification, and integration of two Bombardier Dash-8 Q300 aircraft as well as training and integrated logistics support. A key feature of the program is the incorporation of unique design innovations that Provincial Aerospace developed over its 25 year history modifying and operating Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Chafe elaborated that, “These aircraft will be two of the most sophisticated Dash-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in operation. The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces have leveraged the extensive experience of Provincial Aerospace as an innovator of Maritime Patrol Aircraft solutions to provide a superior product”.

The announcement was made during the third day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi. Provincial Aerospace’s 1.071 Billion AED contract was the largest of the $1.47 Billion AED contracts announced that day. According to Keith Stoodley, Senior Vice President – Business Development and Government Relations with Provincial Aerospace, “The Exhibition is one of the world’s largest defence shows. The decision by the United Arab Emirates to announce our contract during this show is an affirmation of the reputation that our company has developed in the United Arab Emirates since our first visit two years ago. We are excited that the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces has selected Provincial Aerospace to deliver this world-class Maritime Patrol Aircraft program and look forward to future opportunities in the region.” In anticipation of the announcement, Provincial Aerospace had a strong presence at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference and was accompanied by a delegation of eight aerospace companies from Atlantic Canada supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Some 40,000 people were anticipated to visit the exhibition during the four day show.On the occasion of the announcement, General (Retired) Rick Hillier, Chancellor of Memorial University hosted a reception of over 150 dignitaries and special guests to recognize Provincial Aerospace’s achievement. According to General Hillier, “Provincial Aerospace’s success is a Canadian aerospace milestone and is a reflection of Canada’s and Provincial Aerospace’s leadership in Maritime Patrol“. Also in attendance were Canada’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (Ambassador Sara Hradecky), and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Business, Honourable Paul Oram.

In addition to the work to be performed by Provincial Aerospace, major subcontractors include France based Thales, Italy based Elettronica, Germany based Rohde & Schwarz, Britain based Honeywell, South Africa based Saab Systems and United States based FLIR Systems Inc.. “For the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces to have selected Provincial Aerospace as the prime contractor and integrator is an immense achievement for Provincial Aerospace and is attributable to the world-class skill and dedication of our people”, concluded Gus Ollerhead, President of Provincial Aerospace. The contract will see Provincial Aerospace adding more than 100 employees to its rapidly expanding employee base.

Posted in: Maritime Patrol Aircraft,UAE