The completion of this transaction is subject to the approval of all required governmental and regulatory authorities and the fulfillment of other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the next few months.
“This transaction supports our goal of rebuilding a clear path to profitable earnings growth and cash generation,” said Alain Bellemare, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bombardier Inc. “While the Amphibious Aircraft program is part of our long history, this divestiture positions Bombardier to better focus on our core, higher growth businesses; business jets, commercial aircraft and rail transportation.”
No amphibious aircraft have been produced since December 2015 after Bombardier paused the program. The decision to sell the Amphibious Aircraft program was made after careful deliberation and a rigorous analysis. Viking Air, a long-standing Bombardier collaborator, is the perfect successor to continue to build the value and reputation of the program while ensuring the sustainability of the fleet. Viking Air will provide the right customer support to operators who, given the aircraft’s unique firefighting capabilities, play an essential role in the protection of communities, environment, resources and wildlife.
Bombardier’s amphibious aircraft are emblematic of Canada and are the backbone of many firefighting operations around the world. The Bombardier 415 was launched in 1994 and drew on the success of the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T versions to establish itself as the only purposely built and best firefighting aircraft in the world. Close to 170 Bombardier amphibious aircraft are in service worldwide.
Plans are underway to transfer the 50 Amphibious Aircraft program employees to other parts of the Bombardier organization following the completion of an orderly transition of the business.
About Viking Air Limited
Headquartered in Victoria, BC, Viking is the global leader of utility aircraft, support and services, and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter. Incorporated in 1970, Viking initially focused on flying boats before developing a repair and modification business in 1983 when de Havilland Inc. selected Viking as its exclusive spare parts manufacturer and distributor for the de Havilland DHC-2 Mk I Beaver, Mk III Turbo Beaver, and DHC-3 Single Otter aircraft. This transformation culminated in 2006, when Viking acquired the Original Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft from the DHC-1 Chipmunk through to the DASH-7 50 passenger STOL regional airliner.
In 2007 Viking launched the Twin Otter Series 400 production program, and to date over 100 aircraft have been sold to 29 countries worldwide. With a current production rate averaging one new aircraft delivered every 15 business days, the Twin Otter Series 400 is the best-selling next generation 19-passenger aircraft available today.
About Bombardier Specialized Aircraft
Bombardier offers the industry’s widest portfolio of commercial and business aircraft platforms for use as Specialized Aircraft. Bombardier’s CRJ Series regional jets, Q Series turboprops, as well as Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets are in service around the world with more than 45 military, government, security and corporate agencies, and the addition of the all-new C Series aircraft to Bombardier’s portfolio will increase the number of platforms and derivatives available for special mission applications to six and 14 respectively.
As a prime contractor, or in collaboration with leading mission integrators, Bombardier’s Specialized Aircraft team has developed a vast catalogue of mission enabler modifications that, combined with the company’s reliable and proven aircraft platforms, can address every need and mission. The worldwide fleet of 375 Specialized Aircraft is delivering outstanding dispatch reliability and is supported by Bombardier’s global customer services network.
About Bombardier
Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.
Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.
Notes to Editors
Follow @BBD_Aircraft on Twitter to receive the latest updates from Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section of Bombardier’s website.
Bombardier, Bombardier 415, CL-215, CL-215T, CRJ Series, Q Series, Learjet, Challenger, Global and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For Information
Isabelle Gauthier
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
+1 450 476 7374
isabelle.gauthier@aero.bombardier.com