For the first time ever, an Airbus C295W will fly over NWT airspace Monday before landing in Yellowknife as part of a demonstration tour across North America.
The aircraft, which is owned by the Mexican Air Force, will also make stops in Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay before touching down in more remote communities like Resolute Bay and Churchill.
More information: Airbus Defence and Space
The purpose of the tour is “to expose the aircraft to Canada’s diverse and extreme weather conditions and terrain.”
It’s also meant to demonstrate the robustness, reliability and versatility of the C295W which makes it suited for operations in Canada’s challenging environments.
A product of Airbus Defence and Space, the C295W is able to operate and takeoff from short or unprepared runways. It’s also able to carry up to nine tonnes of payload or up to 71 personnel.
The aircraft can be used for either military or humanitarian purposes and is designed to thrive in different weather conditions.
On Monday night, the tour will touchdown at the Yellowknife Airport, marking the first time the aircraft has flown in NWT airspace.
The tour comes on the heels of a similar one through Latin America last year.
To mark the occasion, a reception will be held at the Great Slave Helicopters hangar starting at 7pm.
