Company's Technology Demonstrator Begins On-Water Testing

Viking Air told ANN Tuesday that Maldivian Air Taxi, the world's largest operator of Twin Otter seaplanes, will add two new Series 400 Twin Otters to its fleet of 24 heritage aircraft.

"The Series 400 is the right aircraft at the right time; our passengers and our employees know and trust the aircraft and we are pleased to be adding this new and improved Twin Otter to our fleet", said Lars Erik Nielsen, MAT's president and chairman of the board.

"We value MAT's experience and on-going validation of the Twin Otter, and are excited they have added the new Series 400 to their fleet," commented David Curtis, Viking president & CEO.

In related news, Viking recently began on-water tests of its prototype Series 400, as part of the certification process for the Honeywell Primus Apex integrated avionics suite.

"The system performed flawlessly through 18 pages of test cards carried out today," said Steve Stackhouse, Viking's manager of flight operations. He added, "The purpose of the test was to evaluate whether the Air Data Attitude and Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) would initialize accurately and within design criteria in unstable conditions. The system responded perfectly on every occasion, becoming stable in under 40 seconds."

In addition to the upgraded avionics, the Series 400 incorporates over 200 modifications and improvements to the original rugged design. Viking is modernizing the type with a focus on reducing empty weight and maintenance costs while increasing reliability.

Viking launched the Series 400 aircraft program in 2007. Customer deliveries are expected to begin next year.

FMI: www.vikingair.com, www.maldivianairtaxi.com