Alenia Aermacchi launched a new sales offensive with its C-27J medium transport at the show, with a company official describing the type as “superior to any competitor, in all categories”.
Citing a number of benefits that the Spartan manufacturer claims over its Airbus Defence & Space-produced rival the C295, vice-president international sales for Asia and Oceania Giovanni Timossi says its main advantages are in the areas of “performance and operational capability”.
The company has so far delivered 56 C-27Js from confirmed orders for 76 of the type, Timossi says. It late last year conducted the first flight for future operator the Royal Australian Air Force, and also secured a two-unit contract from Peru.
Alenia Aermacchi
While the Australian service will become the first operator in the Asia-Pacifc region to fly the C-27J, Timossi says the company is “deeply involved in promoting the aircraft in the area”.
Alenia Aermacchi should submit a response early next month to a request for proposals to replace the Indian air force’s aged Avro 748s, and reveal the identity of the local company with which it would work to deliver the Spartan, Timossi says. The C295, which has so far out-sold the C-27J, including maritime patrol- and anti-submarine warfare-configured examples, is also being offered.
Another potential requirement exists in Thailand, says Timossi, while adding: “We are pursuing other opportunities all over the world.”
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Source: Flight Daily News
