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Avmax takes delivery of Twin Otters for West Africa operations

Avmax Group based in Calgary, Alberta, on November 26 took delivery of two new Viking Series 400 Twin Otters. The aircraft are configured for corporate shuttle operations in support of oil-and-gas operations in the Republic of Chad. With delivery of these two Series 400 aircraft, Avmax Group becomes the first operator of the Viking Twin Otter in the West African country.

The Twin Otters will be used for a CNPCIC contract in Chad, which will fly personnel between N’Djamena and their bases in the south. At the end of November, the aircraft will be ferried to Chad and then on January 1, 2020, begin flying to fulfill the contract.

“This multi-million-dollar deal is an excellent example of two Western Canadian companies reaching globally to strengthen aviation,” said Mark Maydaniuk, CEO, Avmax. “This deal was possible due to Avmax’s strong collaborative relationships with companies both local and worldwide, including China and Chad.”

Established in 1976, Avmax locations include its headquarters in Calgary, Vancouver and Winnipeg, Great Falls and Jacksonville (U.S.), Nairobi (Kenya) and N’Djamena (Chad). Avmax offers aircraft leasing, airline operations, avionics, component repairs, engineering, MRO, paint and spare services.

To support its new Series 400 Twin Otters investment, Avmax flight crews will receive initial type training at Viking’s Calgary training facility. This will familiarize the crew with the Honeywell Primus Apex integrated digital avionics suite and autopilot operations in a Series 400 Level D full-flight Simulator.

Initial Maintenance type training courses will also be provided to the Avmax technical team. Avmax’ engineering division is a Transport Canada authorized Design Approval Organization (DAO) and the company’s maintenance divisions are TCCA, FAA, and EASA authorized Maintenance Repair Organizations (MRO).

“Today, more and more operators around the world are recognizing the unique capabilities and versatility of the Series 400 Twin Otter,” said Robert Mauracher, executive VP, sales and marketing, Viking. “I am extremely pleased that a world-class Canadian company like Avmax, with their extensive aircraft portfolio and operational expertise, has selected the Twin Otter for their operational needs.”