The Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC), a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney's parent company United Technologies Corporation, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Mohawearean Aviation Services Company and MTU Aero Engines has opened a new aircraft-engine maintenance facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to handle increasing needs for maintenance and repair of military aircraft engines in the region.

The 194,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will easily accommodate forecast growth in both existing and new product lines. MEPC has been the overhaul provider of choice for the Royal Saudi Air Force's F100-PW-220/220E engines since it opened in 2001.

The facility's current product lines also include the RB199 engines for RSAF's Tornado aircraft, the T56 engines for the C-130 and Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6 for the PC-9 Pilatus. Growth plans include expanding the facility's portfolio to include engines for military helicopters, tanks and others vehicles.

Saudi Arabia's Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan attended and inaugurated the new MEPC facility earlier this month on behalf of the minister of defense. Representatives from Pratt & Whitney participated in the celebration alongside senior government and armed forces officials.

MEPC, which provides military engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the Middle East, is part of a larger network of Pratt & Whitney military MRO solutions, offering a broad range of rapid, reliable, and affordable services.

“Pratt & Whitney's tradition of supporting the Royal Saudi Air Force is carried on through our sustained efforts with the Middle East Propulsion Company,” said Bennett Croswell, President, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, who attended the inauguration ceremony along with Rick Silva, Director, Business Development, Operational Programs; Cliff Stone previous Chairman of the MEPC Board and Board Member; Fred Nader, United Technologies International Operations Regional Director, and Samir Haddad, Program Manager.

“We are proud to be a founding member of MEPC, and are pleased to continue this partnership and excited about the growth opportunities enabled by the opening of this impressive facility,” Croswell noted.

“Saudi Arabia is an important market for Pratt & Whitney and this new facility is part of our commitment to the Kingdom to create training opportunities and additional local engine repair and overhaul capabilities,” he added

The Middle East Propulsion Company is strategically located near the King Khaled International Airport, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The company is licensed to engage in the business of maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft propulsion systems. The company commenced operations September 2001.