Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Boeing have formed a joint venture to compete for sustainment services in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's rotorcraft fleet.

Contracts that the joint venture will pursue are administered by the U.S. Government as part of its Foreign Military Sales process. The joint venture will help advance the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy, expand the technological expertise of its aerospace and commercial sectors, and create jobs.

“This is a significant milestone in strengthening our future competitive capabilities, designed to bring better value in support of the Saudi military rotorcraft fleets,” said David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS), the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft.

“Drawing on our joint expertise, BSIS will compete and operate as a single-source provider of local and comprehensive sustainment for the Kingdom's rotorcraft platforms,” he added.

An equal-share joint venture, BSIS offers comprehensive in-country logistics, fleet and supply-chain management, maintenance support and aircraft modifications, as well as training for aircrews and maintainers.

“Our two companies have a demonstrated track record of teaming with each other. We'll manage this joint venture as we have our previous partnerships: by working closely with each other and communicating frequently with our customers,” said Peri Widener, Vice President of Boeing Rotorcraft Support and Chairman of the Board at BSIS.

Both companies have decades of experience working together as well as operating in Saudi Arabia.

Sikorsky's history of working with the Kingdom dates back to the early 1990s.  In late 2011, a conversion plan was executed to upgrade selected aircraft in the fleet - marking the second international modernization program under contract with SAS.  Most recently, SAS announced plans to perform avionics and structural upgrades to certain fleet aircraft.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia operates a fleet of Boeing fixed wing and rotorcraft platforms. In addition, Boeing supports research and community projects and is involved in strategic and collaborative partnerships to help the Kingdom achieve its long-term educational and industrial development goals.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services, a Sikorsky company, provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing operators around the world. It offers its military and commercial customers a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. SAS is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.