The Brazilian C295 fleet, consisting of twelve Airbus Military aircraft, has reached 25.000 flight hours after six years of successful operation in Amazonia and Mato Grosso, two big areas where these airplanes are vital for the local population.

This achievement will be celebrated with a dedicated ceremony during the Brazilian Air Force event “Domingo Aereo” this upcoming Sunday 16 October in the PAMA maintenance centre in Sao Paulo.

These aircraft are working in particularly difficult environments, carrying out operations like the transport of basic necessities, medical evacuation and military missions, from the bases of Manaus –in Amazonia- and Campo Grande –in Mato Grosso- with the support of the maintenance center PAMA Sao Paulo.

“We are very proud to see the C295 operating so successfully with the Brazilian Air Force. Passing these 25.000 flight hours is a clear demonstration of the reliability and versatility the C295 offers to the Air Force, operating in difficult areas”, said Philippe Galland, Airbus Military Head of Customers Services.

“Since the C295 aircraft – called C-105 Amazonas by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) – entered service in 2007, more than a mere commercial relationship has developed between the Aeronautics Command (Comando da Aeronáutica) and Airbus Military, the company responsible for the fleet?s logistic support. A real partnership has emerged which, over the years, has enabled a wide variety of missions, from search and rescue to humanitarian operations, to be performed throughout Brazil and abroad. Today, the Brazilian fleet of C295s has clocked up more than 25,000 flight hours and, to our great satisfaction, has reached 100% availability thanks to this partnership, hard work and the commitment of all the professionals involved, both from Airbus Military and the FAB”, explain Brigadier Jorge Luiz Alves de Barros Santos.

The contract between the Brazilian Air Force and Airbus Military was signed in 2005. The contract also included maintenance for five years, which was extended in 2010 for another five years.

In addition to this successful operation, in September Airbus Military also received the acceptance from the Brazilian Air Force of the Full Flight Simulator for the C295 in the Air Base of Manaus (BAMN facility), with only one administrative procedure left before full delivery. This Full flight Simulator is part of the contract for the purchase of the 12 C295 aircraft and will allow the Brazilian Air Force a full and complete autonomy in the training for its crew.

Airbus military press release