First Airbus C295 delivered to African operator for humanitarian operations

DAC, which specialises in humanitarian missions in Africa, has leased the aircraft from Dublin, Ireland-based lessor, Stellwagen Group. DAC will be the first African civil C295 operator, reaffirming the versatility of Airbus’s medium tactical transport and mission aircraft and its suitability to operate in some of the world’s harshest and challenging operating environments.

In 2017 Stellwagen Group ordered 12 Airbus C295s and placed an option to purchase additional aircraft. The acquisition positions Stellwagen Group to serve the civil market requirements for specialist aircraft capable of operating humanitarian and freight missions in austere environments as well as supporting government agencies in search and rescue and other roles.

The Airbus C295 is a tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment. It is robust, rugged and reliable, able to operate from unprepared rough, soft and short airstrips on missions enduring up to 11 hours. It is a highly versatile aircraft, able to perform many different missions including transport, medical evacuation, maritime patrol and surveillance, signals intelligence, and airborne early warning. To date, 206 C295s have been ordered by customers around the world, including Algeria, Angola, Ghana, Egypt and Mali in Africa.