Airbus has handed over the fifth of seven C295 aircraft to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in a ceremony held last Thursday.
PAF ordered a fleet of new-generation C295 tactical airlifters as part of its medium-lift aircraft acquisition programme. These new combat proven C295s will be dedicated for troops and equipment transportation across the country.
PAF has been successfully deploying the C295 for a variety of transport operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, thanks to its access to short unpaved airstrips in remote areas, while carrying heavy payloads over long distances. With this new aircraft and the other two soon to join the fleet, the air force will be utilising the aircraft more extensively to enhance its air-lift operations.
Congratulating the Philippine Air Force on the new C295, Airbus Defence and Space Head of Asia-Pacific Johan Pelissier said: “We celebrate with you the delivery of this fifth C295 to the PAF, underscoring the air force’s trust in our military aircraft. We are confident that it will be a capable addition to PAF’s fleet, playing a critical role in the country for many years to come.”
PAF’s extensive use of the C295 for various critical missions has demonstrated it as a reference user of the tactical airlifter in Southeast Asia. Nearly 30% of the global orders of the tactical airtlifter have been acquired by military agencies in the Asia Pacific region.