Bombardier is to sell its amphibious aircraft programme to Viking Air Ltd. The agreement covers the type certificates for all variants of the CL-215, CL-215T and Bombardier 415, which are used worldwide as water bombers for firefighting.

“This transaction supports our goal of rebuilding a clear path to profitable earnings growth,” said Bombardier Chief Executive Officer Alain Bellemare. “While the amphibious aircraft programme is part of our long history, this divestiture positions Bombardier to better focus on our core, higher-growth businesses, business jets, commercial aircraft, and rail transportation.” Bombardier has had the amphibian programme on hold since December 2015.

Viking will assume responsibility for product support, parts and service for the fleet of 170 water bombers in service with 21 operators in eleven countries. It will operate from a newly acquired facility in Calgary.

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