Airbus Defence and Space authorises Turkish Air Force as regional support centre for CN235 aircraft

New Delhi. Airbus Defence and Space has authorised the Turkish Air Force’s 2nd Air Supply and Maintenance Centre (2ndASMC) in Kayseri as a regional support and maintenance centre for Airbus CN235 aircraft following a detailed certification process conducted over the last year, a company press statement said July 13.

The approval brings to a successful completion the process first announced at IDEF 2015.

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 of operations.

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.

A single CN235 aircraft will be brought to Kayseri from an allied country to perform tests and begin the implementation process in October.

Speaking on the occasion, Airbus Defence Space Head of Transport Aircraft Services Stephan Miegel said: “Turkey’s enormous experience with the operation and support of the CN235 will enable it to play a valuable role in the CN235 global support network. We congratulate the Turkish Air Force on achieving the required certification and look forward to examining future possibilities for it in supporting the C295 and A400M aircraft as well.”

2nd ASMC Commander of the Turkish Air Force said: “We thank Airbus Defence and Space for their support in obtaining this important certification and look forward to implementing this new capability in the region.”