Viking Air has entered a deal to buy Bombardier’s three amphibious aircraft programmes.

The deal covers the type certificates for the CL-215, CL-215T, and Bombardier 415 Superscooper, says Bombardier in a statement.

“This transaction supports our goal of rebuilding a clear path to profitable earnings growth and cash generation,” says Bombardier president and chief executive Alain Bellemare.

“While the Amphibious Aircraft program is part of our long history, this divestiture positions Bombardier to better focus on our core, higher growth businesses; business jets, commercial aircraft and rail transportation.”

The statement notes that that no amphibious aircraft have been produced since December 2015, when Bombardier “paused” the programme.” It says that nearly 170 Bombardier amphibians are in service globally, and that 50 employees in the amphibious will be transferred to other parts of the company.

The sale to Viking is subject to government approvals, and is due to close "in the next few months." No price details were provided.

It adds that the Bombardier 415 is the world’s only custom built firefighting aircraft. Flightglobal’s Fleets Analyzer shows that there are 85 Bombardier 415 water bombers in service globally with 13 operators, most of which are air forces.

“Viking Air, a long-standing Bombardier collaborator, is the perfect successor to continue to build the value and reputation of the program while ensuring the sustainability of the fleet,” says Bombardier.

“Viking Air will provide the right customer support to operators who, given the aircraft’s unique firefighting capabilities, play an essential role in the protection of communities, environment, resources and wildlife.”

Source: FlightGlobal.com