# Mali orders additional C-295 aircraft

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2020/12/mali-orders-additional-c295-aircraft/
- Published: 2020-12-03T00:16:48+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

The [Malian](https://www.military.africa/2020/12/mali-orders-additional-c295-aircraft/military.africa/tag/mali)
Ministry of Defence has ordered an additional C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus
Defence & Space, to be delivered next year.

The new C-295 airlifter will supplement the first aircraft already in operation 
since December 2016, which has since transported more than 38,000 passengers and
900t of cargo while accumulating 1,770 flight hours.

“This acquisition is in response to the urgent need of the authorities of the Republic
of Mali to have permanent air transport capacity within a very short timeframe, 
providing a vital link supporting operations and actions for the development of 
isolated areas in the northern regions of the country,” Airbus says.

“This new order also includes an integrated logistics support package with spare
parts for the two aircraft and training for flight crews and mechanics,” says the
aircraft maker.

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Bernhard Brenner, Head of Marketing and Sales at Airbus Defence and Space, said:“
This repeat order demonstrates the excellent capabilities and performance of our
aircraft. The C-295 is becoming the 21st century standard tactical airlifter in 
Africa with 37 aircraft ordered in the region, from Algeria, Egypt and Ghana to 
Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali.”

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Since 2014, the Republic of Mali has been in state of war with several violent Islamic
extremist groups, the new airlifter will enhance the country’s airborne logistics
and transportation capacity.

Mali also operated a pair of Harbin Y-12E transports and a single Antonov An-26.

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