The Brazilian air force (FAB) has confirmed that it is to place an order for 50 EADS Casa C-212-400s transport and surveillance aircraft in a deal that includes the establishment of a local production site.
The Spanish arm of EADS clinched the deal, worth an estimated $260 million, by slashing the price of the aircraft from $8 million per unit to $5.2 million, the FAB says. The C-212 was evaluated against the $4.75 million Skytruck variant of the Antonov An-28 Bryza manufactured by Polish manufacturer PZL Mielec and the $3.8 million Let 410 Turbo-Let.
PZL Mielec is reportedly challenging the selection.
The aircraft will replace the estimated 100 Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante twin turboprops in the FAB's fleet. The contract includes the establishment of a local final assembly line in Campo de Marte, to the north of São Paulo. The first aircraft is expected to be produced this year from kits produced in Spain, with additional units to follow. The FAB says it will partner with local industry to establish a local plant increasing in its competence as technology is transferred.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
