The aircraft will be used for various missions, including transport and liaison, aeromedical evacuations (MEDEVAC), search and rescue (SAR), and humanitarian aid. The delivery ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, Dina Boluarte, the Minister of Defense, Jorge Chávez Cresta, and the General of the Air Force, Carlos Chávez Cateriano.
SEMAN's Chief, Major General Víctor García Guguerovich, highlighted the versatility and capabilities of the Twin Otter, especially for operations on unprepared airstrips in emergency situations. It was emphasized that the entire recovery process was carried out with institutional budget, without incurring additional expenses to the state.
President Boluarte praised the work of the military and civilian personnel involved in the repair and maintenance, emphasizing that the aircraft would strengthen the capabilities of the Air Force and contribute to the development and response to various emergencies, including aeromedical transfers.
The aircraft, registered as FAP-312, was originally delivered to the FAP in 1971 and operated in various units before becoming inoperable in 2017 due to a lack of budget allocation. In July 2022, recovery work began at SEMAN, including structural repairs, changes to various components, and the installation of new Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 engines and multifunction digital displays.
The recovery process will ensure the aircraft's operation for at least another 45,000 flight hours until 2050. Additionally, SEMAN is working on the recovery of another DHC-6-300 (FAP 311), expected to be delivered in May and assigned to the 3rd Air Wing in Arequipa.
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