[Avionics Magazine 06-21-2016] Bombardier has reached a definitive agreement for the sale of its Amphibious Aircraft program to British Columbia-based Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Viking Air Limited. Under the agreement, Viking Air Limited has acquired all variants of Bombardier’s Amphibious Aircraft, including the CL-215, CL-215T and the 415.
Bombardier amphibious aircraft in action. Photo: Viking Limited.
The Bombardier 415 was launched in 1994 and drew on the success of the earlier CL-215 and CL-215T versions to establish itself as the only purposely built and best firefighting aircraft in the world. Close to 170 Bombardier amphibious aircraft are in service worldwide.
Completion of the transaction is still subject to regulatory review, though Bombardier expects it to close in the next few months.
“This transaction supports our goal of rebuilding a clear path to profitable earnings growth and cash generation,” said Alain Bellemare, president and CEO at Bombardier. “While the Amphibious Aircraft program is part of our long history, this divestiture positions Bombardier to better focus on our core, higher growth businesses; business jets, commercial aircraft and rail transportation.”