Gulf Helicopters in joint venture for Doha-based component repairs

The agreement covers component repairs of accessories, avionics and instruments.  The repair shops will be certified by both the FAA and EASA and are expected to begin operations in late 2013 or early 2014.  The new facilities will focus on component repairs for AgustaWestland AW139 along with Bell, Eurocopter, and Agusta medium and light platforms.

“Gulf Helicopters is delighted to strengthen our longstanding relationship with Quality Aviation by establishing a joint venture in Qatar, to serve the growing demand in our region” said Mohamed Al Mohannadi, CEO of Gulf Helicopters”.

With the rapidly expanding aviation market in the Middle East and Asia, both parties agreed that component repair shops to support the region make sense.  Decreasing both shipping costs and turn times will benefit current and future customers in the region, the two companies said in a statement at the show. 

“We have a strong customer base in the Middle East and Asia and a dedicated customer service team in the region” said QAI president Robert Sieber.  “This new facility will enable us to expedite service, reduce downtime, and reduce costs for our customers.”