The Vietnamese navy is to acquire six DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400s from Viking Air, in the nation's first purchase of a Western-built aircraft.
Victoria, Canada-based Viking Air says it has finalised a purchase agreement with the Vietnamese defence ministry for a new fleet of float-equipped aircraft, with three to be configured for maritime patrol applications.
Other roles expected to be performed by the new aircraft include VIP and personnel transport, resupply tasks and search and rescue missions, Viking Air says.
Deliveries are scheduled to run between 2012 and 2014, with the Canadian company to also provide a package of spare parts and personnel training under the deal. The latter task will be performed by Pacific Sky Aviation from Victoria airport on Vancouver Island, and include pilot instruction in how to operate floatplanes.
Viking Air says its deal with Vietnam follows several years of work, with this having involved Ho Chi Minh City-based Canam Active Enterprises, which was appointed as its local sales representative in July 2008.
Source: Flight International