Bombardier has signed a 20-year, C$2.8 billion ($2 billion) contract to provide pilot training for the Canadian Forces, under its privately financed NATO Flying Training in Canada programme. Negotiations continue with Denmark, Norway and the UK to join the programme.
The Canadian company will arrange capital financing to acquire aircraft and simulators and take over operation of the Canadian Forces' training base at Moose Jaw in Alberta. Bombardier will place orders for 24 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano turboprop basic trainers, 18 British Aerospace Hawk 100 advanced jet trainers and four CAE Electronics fixed-base simulators (two for each aircraft type) - together valued at C$1.3 billion.
Transfer of pilot training to the programme will begin in late 1999, when the first Super Tucanos are delivered to Moose Jaw. Around 190 pilots a year will be trained.
Source: Flight International
