The recently launched Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) could make a selection around year-end for the lease of two rotary-wing and two fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), say local sources.
Local companies have submitted about 12 bids proposing to operate the AgustaWestland A109, Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin or Hindustan Aeronautics Dhruv helicopter for three to five years.
The MMEA is also evaluating some 18 proposals for its 10-year fixed-wing requirement, including offers of the ATR 42, Bombardier Dash 8, Fokker 50 and Raytheon King Air 350.
Sources say the MMEA aims to eventually operate its own fleet of conventional and amphibious aircraft, with a tender to be released from April 2006 for up to 20 helicopters in the AgustaWestland AB139 size category and two amphibians.
Bombardier and Irkut attended the LIMA air show in Langkawi in December, respectively offering the 415 and Be-200 amphibians.
Meanwhile, companies including Dassault and Embraer are waiting for Malaysia’s air force and navy to outline a separate MPA requirement, although Kuala Lumpur has yet to decide how to split the role.
The air force, which currently conducts maritime patrols with a limited fleet of four Beech King Air 200s and Lockheed Martin C-130s, is fighting to retain the mission.
BRENDAN SOBIE/LANGKAWI
Source: Flight International
