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Netherlands maritime patrol contract for PAL Aerospace


August 10, 2020  By Wings Staff

PAL Aerospace, a subsidiary of Exchange Income Corporation, received notice of the preliminary contract to provide Maritime Patrol Aircraft as Air Reconnaissance Capacity for the Netherlands Coastguard.

This future contract, to be executed for Ministry of Defence for the Netherlands on behalf of the Netherlands Coastguard, would see PAL Aerospace and its consortium member JetSupport, modify and deliver two fully missionized DHC-8 aircraft, provide crew training on all systems and support the operation of the aircraft for an initial 10-year period – with an option to extend for two additional one-year terms.

Exchange Income Corporation (EIC) explains, that in accordance with the Dutch Public Procurement Law, there is a prescribed stand-still period following the preliminary notification of award before the contract award decision becomes final. PAL and JetSupport anticipate receiving the final award decision shortly.

“PAL Aerospace’s success in this bidding process is a validation of EIC’s strategy of making long-term investments for returns in the future,’ said Mike Pyle, CEO, EIC, who points to several examples of this investment philosophy, which has developed PAL Aerospace’s credentials in Special Missions Aircraft operations, including: The Government of Canada’s Inland, Coastal and Offshore Surveillance program; the development and commercialization of the Force Multiplier Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance program; and through the missionization of, support of and operation of maritime surveillance assets in jurisdictions like the Dutch Caribbean and the United Arab Emirates.

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“EIC has also been proud to support PAL Aerospace’s growing partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force through the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue program, which will soon see the company providing vital support and sustainment services to Canada’s new fleet of Airbus CC-295 aircraft,” said Pyle.

PAL Aerospace’s significant capacity and history of accomplishment in Special Missions Aircraft operation, support and training is unique in Canadian and global aviation. Consistently ranked as one of the Top Ten Defence Companies in Canada by Canadian Defence Review, PAL Aerospace’s extensive experience, gained through decades of safe operation in some of the most challenging operating environments on earth, has positioned the company to compete and succeed on the world stage.

EIC explains the maritime patrol aircraft associated with this contract will be missionized to provide air reconnaissance capacity in the North Sea for the Netherlands Coast Guard. Tasks will include surveillance activities, search and rescue, law enforcement, and periodical deployments in support of the European Coast Guard and Border Agency (FRONTEX).

“We are uniquely qualified to deliver this program successfully in full partnership with JetSupport and believe there is considerable opportunity for PAL Aerospace to pursue additional future work in Europe,” said Jake Trainor, CEO of PAL.

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