Canadian Hawk training support contract won by BAE Systems

Posted by John McHale
WARTON, England, 21 Feb. 2011. BAE Systems announced a new contract to continue support of Hawk jet trainers at the NATO Flying Training program based in Canada (NFTC). The NFTC program is a strategic alliance between the Canadian government and Bombardier to provide undergraduate and post graduate flight training. Training is also available to international air forces through government to government agreements whereby each party contributes to the relationship, the Canadian government supply the training syllabus and infrastructure. The participating air force provides international program management, students, and flight instructors for every three students.
There are 11 NATO air forces in the NFTC program either as participants or instructors. The program is scheduled to run until at least 2020.
The contract with prime contractor Bombardier ensures the timely delivery of both scheduled and unscheduled servicing and technical support services, including responding to queries from the NFTC program.
"The Hawk Mk115 fleet has one of the highest aircraft flying hour totals in the Hawk trainer aircraft world and with the fleet exceeded 75,000 flying hours in the last ten years, it is vital we deliver a reliable and cost-effective support solution," says Martin Rushton, senior vice president training solutions and support.