News
GAL places multi-aircraft order valued over $44M

June 18, 2009 – Paris – Viking Air of Victoria, B.C., Canada and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, executed a purchase agreement for ten new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, and if all options are exercised could push the value over US$65M.
 
The agreement includes six landplane configured DHC-6 Series 400 and four Guardian 400 Twin Otters, to be used throughout the UAE for government and commercial operations.  Also included in the agreement are special order options, such as upgraded PT6A-35 Hot & High performance engines, optional float landing gear installations, interchangeable VIP/high density interiors, tactical avionics and sensor packages, as well as a comprehensive initial provisioning support package of spares, ground support equipment and flight/technical ground crew training.
 
The first aircraft delivery is scheduled for early 2010, with subsequent aircraft deliveries occurring in 2011 and 2012.  The first four aircraft will be delivered with  Guardian 400 options, including an electro optical and infrared imaging turret equipped with a low light camera and digital recorder, NVG compatible flight deck, air conditioning, air operable cargo door, and lavatory.
 
Cory Mahanna, chief operating officer for GAL “welcomes the new Series 400 Twin Otters to the region.”  He added, “The ability for the aircraft to operate in the extreme climate and conditions of the Middle East in multiple configurations offers our fleet reliability and versatility that our customers have come to depend on and demand of Viking aircraft.”
 
“The GAL Agreement represents our largest single customer order to date,” noted David Curtis, Viking president & CEO, “and we’re extremely pleased to have such strong presence in the UAE, which is proving to be a considerable market for the new Series 400 Twin Otter.”
 
In addition to the purchase agreement, Viking has assigned GAL the exclusive contract to act as territory representative for the Middle East region and Algeria for the new DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft. This agreement allows GAL to represent Viking for DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft sales and spares support in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
 
Global Aerospace Logistics is a provider of world class specialized aerospace services such as logistics and material planning in support of government and private customers in the Middle East region, and has established strategic business and technology partnerships to develop a major aviation maintenance facility in the UAE.
 
Twin Otter Series 400 production is underway with the first four aircraft at Viking’s final assembly facility in Calgary, Alberta, and detailed assemblies for subsequent aircraft progressing through the manufacturing facility at the Victoria, British Columbia location.  The initial flight for the prototype Series 400 technical demonstrator was carried out late last year, and is currently undergoing certification testing.  EASA and Transport Canada certification are expected to be received later this year.

Viking launched the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 production program in 2007, and has a current backlog estimated at over $160M.  Viking provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland heritage line of aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7), and is part of Westerkirk Capital Inc., a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation and real estate sectors.