Replacement of Long-Range Aircraft for Special Air Mission Wing
Koblenz, 03/20/2008.
The contract for the replacement of the long-range aircraft for the Special Air Mission Wing of the Federal Ministry of Defense (FMoD) was concluded at the Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung in Koblenz on 20 March 2008. Prior to contract signature, it had been approved by the Bundestag Budget Committee on 14 March 2008. Lufthansa Technik AG, which is already responsible for the replacement of the medium-range aircraft of the Special Air Mission Wing of the FMoD (contract signature in December 2007), is the Contractor.
The new order includes the delivery of two used Airbus A340-300 aircraft. The eight year old aircraft will be acquired by Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Subsequently, they will undergo a major overhaul and be equipped with a VIP cabin as well as with military auxiliary equipment. In 2010, they will replace both Airbus A310-304 long-range aircraft.
The new aircraft is used to transport government delegations of up to 142 passengers over intercontinental distances of up to 13,350 km. Now, it will be possible to reach destinations in Africa, North and South America or Asia without any intermediate stops.
In addition to the transport of high-ranking parliamentarians and politicians, the aircraft can be retrofitted within five hours to transport casualties and sick and injured individuals (MedEvac).
Apart from the procurement of the aircraft this contract covers the establishment of the initial operational capability: As prime contractor, Lufthansa Technik will be responsible for the initial training of the flying and engineering personnel of the Special Air Mission Wing, FMoD, and the provision of the initial spare parts and type-specific aerospace ground equipment (AGE). It is intended to conclude a support agreement for the in-service phase with an initial duration of 10 years.
