Viking Aviation Acquires Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft Program
VICTORIA BC - AVIATION - Viking Air Limited ("Viking"), a global leader of utility aircraft, support and services and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter, today announced the acquisition of the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier. The amphibious aircraft program includes the Bombardier CL-415 waterbomber and its variants, as well as the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T versions.
The Bombardier 415 is the aviation industry's benchmark amphibious aircraft and the backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. Designed and built in Canada with a heritage that dates back almost 50 years, it is the only western aircraft purpose-built for firefighting.
The transaction will see Viking acquire the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all variants of Bombardier's amphibious aircraft, and assume responsibility for product support, parts and service for the fleet of some 170 waterbombers in service with 21 operations in 11 countries around the world. This follows Viking's successful model of acquiring, supporting and sustaining utility aircraft programs, including manufacturing the world-renowned Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Viking will support the worldwide amphibious aircraft program from a newly acquired and specially repurposed 50,000 square foot facility in Calgary. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"This acquisition expands Viking's capabilities in product support and parts into another vital niche aviation segment, and ensures that a unique and important Canadian innovation stays in Canada," said David Curtis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. "We are proud to add another iconic Canadian aircraft program to Viking's stable - our aim is to take the 415 to its highest potential and keep these aircraft in service for decades to come. This transaction builds on our presence in British Columbia and Alberta and expands on the existing strengths of the western Canadian aerospace industry. At the same time, we will continue to rely on an extensive supply chain in Quebec and Ontario to support both the amphibious aircraft and Twin Otter programs."
Today, Viking employs approximately 88 people in Calgary and more than 330 at its headquarters and facilities in Victoria. With this new program Viking expects to add up to 40 people to its workforce in Victoria and Calgary.
Viking's new facility located near Calgary International Airport (CYYC) is in addition to the company's existing 70,000 square foot facility at CYYC. Viking's existing facilities in Calgary will be repurposed to accommodate existing Twin Otter activities, as well as the addition of the amphibious aircraft program.
Western Canada is today home to a number of Canadian aerospace companies and Viking is proud to support and participate in the growth of the industry in the region. Viking sells its products and services internationally, making an important contribution to Canadian exports and contributing Canadian innovation to the world.
The Bombardier 415 Amphibious Waterbomber
The world-renowned Bombardier 415 waterbomber is a key part of Canada's rich aerospace heritage. The amphibious waterbomber was originally developed by Canadair in the 1960s, and has its origins in flying boats used in World War II. The original version, the CL-215, had its maiden flight in 1967 and went into production in 1969. The aircraft was later advanced by Bombardier into the 415 which was introduced in 1994.
Recognized as the best aerial firefighting aircraft in the world, the Bombardier 415 - also known as the SuperScooper - needs only 12 seconds to scoop its 6,137-litre load while skimming at high speed over water. The aircraft is a key strategic asset for government and community firefighting efforts in Canada and around the world. While primarily a firefighting aircraft, these have multi-mission capabilities, including for uses like maritime patrol, and search and rescue.
The Bombardier 415 is a dependable aircraft, capable of remaining in service for decades with proper maintenance and support. As with Viking's successful business supporting, servicing, and manufacturing the Twin Otter and other utility aircraft, there is a long-term opportunity to manufacture parts and provide ongoing support to the in-service fleet.
Viking is part of the portfolio of a prominent Canadian family office investment firm which maintains a long-term investment horizon and is one of the leading investors in the Canadian aviation industry.
Additional Background
Viking's acquisition of the amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier builds on a long history between the two companies. Viking's collaborative relationship with Bombardier began with spare parts manufacturing for the Beaver and Otter aircraft, growing until Viking became a key supplier of structural sheet metal parts and assemblies for the Twin Otter as well. Bombardier's Customer Service Centre for out-of-production de Havilland aircraft was transferred to Viking in 2005, allowing Viking to work directly with operators for supply of new parts and technical support, and in 2006 Viking acquired the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) from Bombardier for the Twin Otter and all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft. In 2007, Viking brought the Twin Otter Series 400 into production. Viking has booked sales of more than 150 new aircraft, and its 100th aircraft is scheduled for delivery in July 2016.
The acquisition of the amphibious aircraft program is subject to customary regulatory approval by Transport Canada and the Competition Bureau.
 Minister Counselor Tobias Svenningsen (left) and Nils Christensen at the induction ceremony. Photo: Vanda D'Alonzo Norwegian War Hero Inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame
Last updated: 21.08.2012 // When World War 2 ended in Europe, Nils Christensen was a crew member on the first Norwegian aircraft to land back in his home country, bringing the Allied representatives who took over control from the occupying German forces. This summer, he was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.
Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1973, and members come from all across Canada and have led extraordinary lives as military and civilian pilots, doctors, scientists, inventors, engineers, astronauts and administrators. The citation for Mr. Christensen’s induction reads: “Following service in the Norwegian merchant navy and the air force, Nils Christensen developed a reputation for his vast knowledge and skill in aircraft service and maintenance. As the founder of Viking Air Limited, his legacy has continued the work of de Havilland Canada in contributing to the Canadian aviation industry."
At the induction ceremony, held at The Windsor Ballrooms in Montreal on June 14, Mr. Christensen was given a reproduction of a painting by Canadian aviation artist Charles Kadin, depicting Royal Norwegian Air Force training aircrafts over Toronto’s Little Norway airport. He was presented with the print by Minister Counselor Tobias Svenningsen of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa. Trained in Little Norway The painting carries added significance for Mr. Christensen, who joined the Royal Norwegian Air Force at the “Little Norway” training camp at Toronto’s Island Airport in 1942 after having been a sailor in the Norwegian Merchant Navy when the war broke out. He was trained as an aircraft mechanic and was in that capacity servicing all of the training aircraft used by the Norwegians, including those in the picture. He followed the training camp when it was re-located to Muskoka airport, before joining the Norwegian 333 squadron in the UK, where he also served as a flight engineer and gunner on the Catalina aircraft. Successful Businessman In 1970 Mr. Christensen founded Viking Air, doing overhaul, maintenance and conversions to all types of aircraft but specializing in the sea planes. With partners Courtney Griffiths and Claude Butler, he was responsible for Viking Air obtaining the parts manufacturing rights for the Beaver, Otter, and Turbo Beaver from de Havilland. According to the Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame, “the venture has given rise to an internationally reputed aircraft and parts manufacturing concern”. He is also credited with resurrecting the Twin Otter as a viable commercial entity, which has been of vital importance to the Canadian aviation industry. Mr. Christensen has been part of maintaining the strong connection between Norway and Canada on aviation matters that started during the war with “Little Norway” and which have continued since. "Reunion" with the King Both as a businessman and as a person, Mr. Christensen is well-known and well-liked. Never forgetting his comrades in the merchant fleet, Mr. Christensen has always been highly supportive of the Merchant Navy veterans, donating both time and money to their cause. So appreciated are his efforts, in fact, that he was invited to attend the dedication of the newly restored merchant ship Hestmanden as a national wartime seafarers’ museum, alongside some 240 veterans. Still active at 90 years of age, Mr. Christiansen made the trip to Kristansand, Norway, with his daughter, Marit McBride, to be reunited at a luncheon with HM King Harald V, who he had met in “Little Norway” during the war when the latter was just a child. As was noted by Minister Counselor Svenningsen during the induction ceremony, Mr. Christensen has managed to become a true hero of both Norway and Canada, a feat not easily repeated. Today, he lives with Sheila, his wife of more than 65 years on Salt Spring Island outside of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. |
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