Saudi AF selects SR 22 for pilot training

Cirrus Aircraft in last July announced that BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to supply Cirrus SR22 aircraft to support the future aircrew training requirements of the Royal Saudi Air Force. This new fleet order for Cirrus Aircraft follows an agreement between the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, under the Saudi British Defence Cooperation Programme (SBDCP). The aircraft will provide primary flying training to the RSAF at the King Faisal Air Academy in Riyadh.

Including the United States and France, Saudi Arabia is now the third national air force that has recently ordered Cirrus SR20 or SR22 aircraft for primary training. These procurements reflect today's changing training philosophies that are required for advanced operational aircraft entering into service with major air forces around the world.

"Cirrus is proud to have been selected by the RSAF," stated Jon Dauplaise, Vice President of Fleet and Special Mission Aircraft for Cirrus. "The relationship we have with BAE Systems and the RSAF is another example of the importance placed on training with technologically advanced aircraft by these impressive global institutions."