Airbus Military is displaying the 100th production example of its C295 medium transport at the show, and says the twin-engined type is ready to be delivered to future operator the Royal Air Force of Oman.

Sporting camouflage markings and the service number 901, the aircraft features in the static display alongside the company's larger A400M. The airlifter will be transferred to Omani ownership in Seville, Spain, "immediately after the show", the company says, under an eight-aircraft deal.

"A year ago we discussed this in Spain, and here is the aircraft, a little bit ahead of schedule," Airbus Military chief executive Domingo Ureña-Raso said on 19 June, addressing Omani defence minister Bader bin Saud Al-Busaidi.

"We look forward to working with the company as we train our initial pilots and loadmasters," said Royal Air Force of Oman commander Air Vice Marshal Matar Ali Al-Obaidani. "By the end of this year, the aircraft will be in service as a tactical transport. It will significantly increase our ability to support our sister services and the civilian population in Oman."

Muscat signed an eight-aircraft deal for the C295 in May 2012 and its aircraft will be split between the tactical transport and maritime patrol aircraft configurations. The new type will replace an aged inventory of Shorts Skyvans.

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Source: Flight Daily News

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