The United Arab Emirates air force is to update its medium transport capabilities, with a new fleet of Airbus Defence & Space C295s to enter service from late next year.

Announced at the Dubai air show on 15 November, the deal will deliver five of the twin-turboprop aircraft from the fourth quarter of 2018, Airbus says.

"The aircraft will serve with the UAE air force, replacing the existing CN235s still in operation," the company says.

Flight Fleets Analyzer shows the service as currently using six of the earlier-generation type, with these assets aged between 23 and 24 years.

Airbus says its latest contract has boosted total sales of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127-powered C295 to 203 units, including 51 ordered by operators in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Source: FlightGlobal.com