DCI has ensured the operational maintenance of French helicopters in Kuwait for 23 years. In all, 27 helicopters are taken care of (Gazelle, Puma and Super Puma). Kuwait also proved its entire satisfaction by entrusting DCI with the overhaul inspections (GV) of its Gazelles.
DCI’s expertise in maintenance and operational implementation also materializes in other Gulf States. Since December 2012, the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) has entrusted DCI with the Air Force’s Gazelles maintenance.
DCI has created the Hélidax company, on equal terms with INAER France. This is the first public-private partnership (PPP) implemented by the Ministry of Defense in 2008: it aims at providing the French Army Light Aviation Academy (EALAT, Dax) with helicopter flight hours during 22 years.
The contract mainly provides modern helicopters and the related maintenance services. Every day, 32 helicopters are simultaneously available for EALAT students. In 4 years, over 70,000 flight hours were performed by Hélidax and the EALAT, showing the partnership’s success.
In addition, DCI and INAER also developed a partnership in 2010 regarding the operational maintenance of EC145 helicopters. 51 helicopters of the civil security and National Gendarmerie are stationed across the French territory (overseas included).
According to DCI’s CEO Jean-Michel Palagos, “These maintenance operations require a high operational accuracy. In France and abroad, our customers regularly highlight the deployed technical skills, the service commitment and the permanent availability of the DCI teams.”
Photo: Kuwait Air Force Super Puma
