Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MONTREAL993
2006-09-17 11:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Consulate Montreal
Cable title:  

Blue Lantern Level 3: Pre-License End-Use Check,

Tags:  ETTC KOMC CA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO5322
RR RUEHGA RUEHHA RUEHQU RUEHVC
DE RUEHMT #0993 2601156
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 171156Z SEP 06
FM AMCONSUL MONTREAL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0145
INFO RUCNCAN/ALCAN COLLECTIVE
RUEAHLC/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS MONTREAL 000993 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR PM/DTC Blue Lantern Coordinator Rebecca Velerin

SENSITIVE

E.O. N/A 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC CA
SUBJECT: Blue Lantern Level 3: Pre-License End-Use Check,
Venga Aerospace Systems, Inc., GC-052306

REF: SECSTATE 134829

UNCLAS MONTREAL 000993

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR PM/DTC Blue Lantern Coordinator Rebecca Velerin

SENSITIVE

E.O. N/A 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC CA
SUBJECT: Blue Lantern Level 3: Pre-License End-Use Check,
Venga Aerospace Systems, Inc., GC-052306

REF: SECSTATE 134829


1. (SBU) Econoff contacted Venga Aerospace Systems, Inc.
President Hirsh Kwinter on August 31 to verify the
information requested (reftel). Venga Aerospace Systems
has both aerospace and 3-D graphics divisions. Kwinter
runs the company from his residence in Montreal. The
company has no facilities; Kwinter manages Venga from his
residence in Montreal. Kwinter confirmed that the company
was preparing to procure the MK66 Hawk aircraft, and
recommended that Post contact Kirby Duffy, the company
head of business development, for further information on
the transaction.


2. Econoff and Conoff spoke with Duffy on September 1.
Duffy explained that the Hawk aircraft were being purchased
to replace the Canadian Air Force CT-114 Aircraft
currently being used by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds air
demonstration squadron. The Snowbirds currently fly CT-114
Tutor aircraft, which had been used for many years as the
standard pilot training aircraft of the Canadian Forces.
In 2000, the rest of the Canadian Forces discontinued their
use of this aircraft, and it has since become problematic
to maintain those used by the Snowbirds. Venga is now
assisting the Canadian Forces in procuring the Mk66 Hawk
aircraft from Armasuisse as replacements for the Snowbirds
existing jets.


3. Vengas only Aerospace customer is the Canadian Forces
Snowbirds unit, based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Venga
has no facilities where the aircraft could be based or
stored. The aircraft would be transferred directly to 15
Wing Moose Jaw, the Canadian Forces base in Moose Jaw,
Saskatchewan.


4. According to Duffy, Venga is aware of the restrictions
on USML articles, and is in the process of requesting USG
authorization for the re-transfer. Duffy is working with
Robert Steinhauser, Counselor for Defense Procurement at
the Swiss Embassy in Washington. (Phone 202-745-7950)
Duffy can be reached at 519-342-4662. Venga
representatives will be in Ottawa for related meetings with
the Swiss and the Canadian Forces from September 25 to 27,
and have indicated that they would be available to meet
with USG officials if requested.


5. Since Venga does not operate any kind of commercial
facility, Post did not conduct a site visit, per Econoffs
September 1 discussion with PM/DTTC Tim Watkins.

MARSHALL