09 March 2016

ABU DHABI, 9th March, 2016 (WAM) – Under the sponsorship and guidance of Tawazun Economic Council (Tawazun), the joint venture named AgustaWestland Aviation Services between Abu Dhabi Aviation and the Helicopter Division of Finmeccanica which designs and manufactures helicopters, is now fully operational.

The company provides helicopter spare parts and accessories, component repair and overhaul, helicopter technical testing, customisation, modification and upgrading, primarily serving the UAE & Middle East’s market requirement. Agusta Westland helicopters are operated extensively throughout the UAE and the Middle East by government authorities, the armed forces, commercial operators and individuals.

The joint venture was enabled by the Tawazun Economic Program, which delivers key benefits to the UAE such as transfer of knowledge to UAE aviation industry, provision of state-of-the-art technology & equipment, and create employment & skill enhancements of Emirati workforce.

In his comment on the Agreement, Nader Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation said; “We aim to be a global aviation company beyond its current international business scope, and the new joint venture is a step in the right direction. The joint venture will be of mutual benefit for both partners to further expand their range of services, capabilities and presence. The demand for helicopter maintenance across the Middle East is growing and providing this service right at the doorstep of our clients is a benefit that will see huge returns in terms of overall industry growth.

For his part, the CEO of AgustaWestland Aviation Services Mr Angelo Carlino said; “the company is carrying out a wide range of services previously delivered by manufacturers in the USA and Europe. It is providing helicopter support services in the Gulf and Middle East.”

“AgustaWestland Aviation Services is using all its expertise to deliver an excellent level of technical and operational support services to customers and to serve the spare parts and logistic support requirements of the AgustaWestland products fleet.”

“AgustaWestland Aviation Services provides spare parts and logistic services and facilities for materials located in the Abu Dhabi International Airport Free Zone. The company’s comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul, modification and customization of Finmeccanica Helicopter Division’s helicopter models capability is being carried out in a world class maintenance facility located at Abu Dhabi International Airport”.

AgustaWestland Aviation Services is looking forward to further-on expand its MRO services as well as introducing training capabilities in the region.