Agreement Brings Viking Paris Sale To Three

Air Loyaute, represented by SODIL ("Societe d'Investissement et de Developpement des Iles Loyaute"), has signed a purchase agreement for two new Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft to add to their Noumea, New Caledonia based operation.

The contract encompasses two Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft 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, med-evac, 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," stated Samuel Hnepeune, CEO of SODIL.  "The reliability of the Twin Otter ensures continuous operation and minimizes downtime, providing for the best possible customer service."

In other Viking news from Paris,Viking has released preliminary data of its Guardian 400, a medium range maritime patrol, SAR (Search and Rescue) and critical infrastructure surveillance and security platform, based on the new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft.

The Guardian 400 is well suited to surveillance, security, and search and rescue operations. Designed for extreme operating environments, the Guardian 400 will include a restricted category increased take-off weight and extended range internal patrol tank, allowing for operational sorties over 10 hours in duration.  In addition, the Guardian 400 will be outfitted with an electro-optical and infrared imaging turret which can be displayed on either the flight deck Honeywell Primus Apex Multi Function Display, or on a separate cabin console.  Other features will include spotter camera, laser range finder and a laser illuminator.

The aircraft can also be fitted with a light weight, 360 degree digital color radar system with Track-While-Scan capability, including long range navigation position update, target positions transmission, location latitude and longitude, target heading and velocity.

FMI: www.vikingair.com