Airbus Military receives civil certification for the C295

Airbus Military has obtained civil certification for its C295 transport aircraft.

The company says the responds to the 'evolving requirements' of agencies and operators conducting humanitarian and other what it calls 'civic' operations.

The certification was awarded by Spain's Civil Aviation Authority AESA Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea) and makes the aircraft available to civil organisations who may wish to use the aircraft for emergency and humanitarian aid operations. The company also suggests the aircraft could be used for security operations by police forces and similar agencies.

The operations and configurations approved under this certification include personnel transport with side-facing seats for up to 70 occupants or ‘airline-style’ seats for up to 51 occupants, medical evacuation with up to 21 NATO litters, mixed transport of personnel and cargo, carriage of up to eight cargo pallets, aerial delivery of cargo, and operations on unpaved runways.

Additionally this new approval can be applied to aircraft delivered to governments and military customers that require type certification in accordance with civil airworthiness requirements.

The company's C235 and C212 aircraft already have civil certification. The C235 is in use as a maritime patroller with civilian SAR agencies as well as passenger and cargo aircraft with several US military contractors.

Airbus Military SVP head of engineering Miguel Angel Morell said: 'The C295 has been designed from the outset as an exceptionally robust and reliable aircraft which is highly suitable for demanding civic operations for the benefit of society. Obtaining civil certification ensures its acceptability to all agencies operating in this area and cements its leadership in the sector.'