ADAE 2014: Abu Dhabi Aviation and AgustaWestland form AWAS

A new Helicopter maintenance and spare parts company - AgustaWestland Aviation Services (AWAS) - was formed yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014, in a partnership between Abu Dhabi Aviation and AgustaWestland.
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The announcement came during the first day of Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014, the region most important aviation event, which is being held at Al Bateen Executive Airport, from 25th to 27th February 2014.

Nadder Ahmed Al-Hamadi, Abu Dhabi aviation CEO said: “The new company, which is operating from the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ), is the result of a strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi Aviation; the Middle East leading specialised helicopter company and AgustaWestland; a world leading Helicopter designing and manufacturing company."

The new partnership will provide expertise, skills and technical and logistic support in the helicopter field, in addition to a high maintenance level for more than 150 AgustaWestland Helicopters in the Gulf and Middle East region.

“AWAS' birth will enhance Abu Dhabi aviation capabilities and constitutes a leap forward in the quality of services provided to its customers. Taking into consideration that AgustaWestland helicopters are widely used by Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police Air wing, Oman Police, Lebanese Air Force, Royal Jordanian Air Force, and ARAMCO CO of Saudi Arabia kingdom, we will not only be able to expand the coverage of services we provide to our customers, but also attract new customers” Mr. Nadder added.

Mark Thistlethwaite, CEO AWAS, said: "AWAS brings added value to the UAE in terms of aircraft technical knowledge transfer, and will pave the way to a long term commercial partnership with the UAE aviation sector.

“Through its presence in the Abu Dhabi Airport Free zone, (AWAS) will be able to respond quickly and immediately to our customers’ requirements for spares, and also provide Helicopter inspection, repair, modifications and overhaul facilities in UAE, without having to move the aircraft to its manufacturing companies in Europe or the USA.”

The company, which will be providing its services 24 hours a day, will also cater for the needs of the region’s Helicopters outside UAE.

Mohammed Al-Romaithi, Abu Dhabi Aviation’s project officer for AWAS said: "AWAS' birth will be a fundamental factor in facilitating the flow of aircraft manufacturing knowledge, as well as providing a platform to train the national cadre, creating jobs for UAE citizens, and building the necessary skills in aircraft technology and engineering."