Airbus Defence and Space to Authorize Turkish Air Force as Regional Support Centre for CN235 Aircraft

Airbus Defence and Space signed a Letter of Intent (LoL) with the Turkish Air Force on the first day of IDEF 2015 to initiate the certification process of the 2ndAir Supply and Maintenance Centre (2ndASMC) in Kayseri as an authorized regional support and maintenance centre for CN235 aircraft. 

Turkey is the world’s largest operator of CN235s with 59 aircraft and has accumulated a wealth of expertise in the maintenance, repair, overhaul and updating of the aircraft in 20 years. 

The agreement capitalises on those proven capabilities to provide support for aircraft of the Turkish Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy as well as those of other operators in the region. 

Initially a single CN235 aircraft will be brought to Kayseri from an allied country to perform tests and begin the implementation process. During this period a statement of work will be prepared to implement the strategic partnership on CN235 aircraft between Airbus Defence and Space and the Turkish Air Force.

Airbus Defence and Space Head of Services Philippe Galland said, “Turkey has vast experience with the operation and support of the CN235 and we are delighted to support the Turkish Air Force in adding a valuable asset to the CN235 global support network.” 

Signing the letter on behalf of the Turkish Air Force, Pilot Major General Ali Demiral said, “We appreciate Airbus Defence and Space’s support in obtaining this important certification and look forward to implementing this new capability in the region.” 

Kayseri to become towards a Hub in the Region

In accordance with the Letter of Intent, after the completion of the certification process of the maintenance capabilities of the 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center Command at Kayseri, a trial will be conducted with an aircraft to be brought from an allied country.

 Meanwhile, as part of the same process, a “Framework Agreement / Scope of Work – SoW” will be prepared and “Strategic Cooperation” will be launched between the Air Forces Command and Airbus Defence and Space for the CN235 aircrafts. Thus; while providing support to Air Forces Command for acquiring capabilities for covering its maintenance, repair and revision requirements, introducing an environment for the aircrafts of the allied countries for covering their similar requirements is aimed. Through this agreement, active utilization of the capabilities and capacities of the 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Center Command at Kayseri by the region’s other countries for maintenance activitiesis aimed as well.

 On the other hand, within the scope of the programme, Airbus Defence and Space will be providing engineering, certification and required material support to Turkey.