Air Loyaute, represented by SODIL (Societe d’Investissement et de Developpement des Iles Loyaute), has signed a purchase agreement with Viking Air for two new Series 400 Twin Otters to add to its New Caledonia-based operation.
The contract encompasses two Twin Otter Series 400s equipped in 19 passenger regional airliner configuration, with an optional medevac stretcher capability. The new aircraft will add to Air Loyaute’s existing fleet of Series 300 Twin Otters, operating throughout the French Territory island chain as passenger, charter, medevac, cargo and postal carriers.
The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2011, in time for the Games of the South Pacific, when New Caledonia will be the host country.
“For the people of New Caledonia, the essential services that Air Loyaute provides are paramount,” explained Samuel Hnepeune, CEO of SODIL. “The reliability of the Twin Otter ensures continuous operation and minimises downtime, providing for the best possible customer service.”
David Curtis, Viking president and CEO added, “Air Loyaute is a well respected legacy Twin Otter operator, and we are pleased to welcome them to the Series 400 family. The addition of flight and maintenance training, coupled with the customer support package is representative of their commitment to maintenance and operations, ensuring customers receive the highest reliability attainable.”
The Air Loyaute order comes on the heels of a deposit agreement for a single aircraft with an undisclosed recipient, who has also booked a Series 400 Twin Otter outfitted in regional passenger configuration. The two deals now bring the Series 400 backlog to more than $160 million, pushing the next available delivery to the 4th quarter of 2011.
Photo shows Viking Air's David Curtis (left) and SODIL's Samuel Hnepeune.
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