AIRBUS : Mexico orders more Airbus C295 aircraft

Mexico has signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the acquisition of two additional Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft for the Mexican Navy. The agreement takes to 22 aircraft the total Airbus Defence and Space fleet in operation in the country, the biggest in Latin America.

The Mexican Navy, which is already flying four C295, six CN235 and two C212 aircraft, will operate these two new aircraft on a diverse range of transport missions for military, civil protection and humanitarian purposes

"We are very proud that Mexico, which already has the biggest Airbus Defence and Space fleet in Latin America, has shown its confidence in our products by deciding to increase again its C295 fleet", said Antonio Rodríguez Barberán, Head of Commercial for Military Aircraft.

Today the Mexican Air Force is operating six C295 and the Federal Police two CN235 aicraft.

More than 140 C295s have now been ordered by 19 countries.

The new generation C295 is the ideal aircraft for defence and civic missions to the benefit of society, such as humanitarian actions, homeland security, and environmental surveillance. Thanks to its robustness and reliability, simple systems, and optimal cabin, this medium sized tactical airlifter provides wide versatility and flexibility, necessary for personnel, troop and bulky/palletized cargo transportation, casualty evacuation, communication and logistic duties, and air-dropping. Its flexible design, long endurance and modern systems have made it an outstanding platform for a wide range of ISR roles including anti-submarine and ship warfare, airborne early warning, and maritime surveillance. The C295 is part of the Airbus Defence and Space family of light and medium airlifters which also includes the smaller NC212i and CN235 platforms. Airbus Defence and Space now offers the C295W, featuring as standard winglets and higher engine power ratings, giving increased performance in all flight phases and lower fuel burn.

Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe's number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 40,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €14 billion per year.