Kazakhstan takes delivery of two C295

Kazakhstan has taken delivery of the first two C295 transport aircraft that it ordered last year, marking Airbus Military's entry into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) regional market.

The aircraft, the first two on firm contract and a further six on options to be progressively confirmed in the coming years, were formally handed over in Sevilla before the ferry flights, via Astana, to Almaty, where they will be based.

They were earlier technically accepted in Sevilla by a combined team of Kazspetsexport, the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence, and the Kazakhstan Air Force. Both aircraft will be used in support of transport missions throughout the nation's vast territory. The purchase contract additionally covers the related service support package for spare parts and ground support equipment.

Airbus Military Senior Vice President Commercial, Antonio Rodríguez-Barberán, said: "We greatly appreciate the high level of professionalism and strong commitment shown by the relevant Kazakh institutions in ensuring the smooth and mutually rewarding execution of this agreement. It is a great pleasure to welcome the Air Force of Kazakhstan into the worldwide family of C295 operators and we are committed to providing the required level of support for our new customer for many years to come."