Airbus selected in Canada for research and sce devices

Airbus is about to be selected by the Canadian authorities for the provision of search and rescue aircraft, does said Wednesday a source close to the case.

With this selection, Airbus prevail against his Italian rival Leonardo, the source added.

A formal decision in this case is expected Thursday.

Neither Airbus Group , nor did Leonardo commented desired information.

Airbus, with its C-295 aircraft, and Leonardo, with his aircraft C-27J Spartan, were presented as the favorites to win the estimated Canadian contract, according to press reports, some three billion Canadian dollars (2.1 billion euros).

With its KC-390 aircraft, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is also vying for the contract but the offer should not be accepted to the extent that the unit is still under development and that the Canadian government wants to retain a receiving device already certified.

The Canadian government, which did not comment on the outcome of the tender, with this command wishes to renew its fleet of aircraft dedicated to search and rescue missions.

(Tim Hepher and Allison Lampert, Matthieu Protard for the French service, edited by Benoit Van Overstraeten)