Tawazun Economic Council, as part of its support to the national economy and to attract foreign and domestic investments into the UAE, the multinational aerospace, defense and security player Leonardo and the Abu Dhabi Aviation Training Centre (ADATC) are partnering to establish new and expanding training capabilities in the Middle East.
The partners have agreed to introduce the first AW169 helicopter simulator in the region and to upgrade the software of an existing AW139 simulator. The simulator will be delivered by Leonardo to ADATC. This will enhance the level of service and proximity Leonardo provides to its growing regional customer base in line with its industrial plan.
Mattar Al Rumaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer, Tawazun Economic Council, said: “We expect strong growth in the industry from these agreements which will in turn benefit our economy, our military and our industry significantly. We also work closely with our strategic partners, like Abu Dhabi Aviation and Leonardo, to help future growth and expansion in the UAE. This facility will play a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for future flight testing programs in the region, to improve the defense sector, military and air forces.
The agreement was signed by Matar Ali Al Rumaithi, Chief Economic Development Officer at Tawazun HE Nader Ahmed Al Jamadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, Mr. Ahmed Ismail Al Khoury, Executive Director of ADATC, and by Leonardo.
Nader Ahmed Al Hammadi (photo), Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, said: “Abu Dhabi Aviation is committed to providing the best leading training programs in the region. We are proud to be a leading training centre and facility in the region with the latest technology. With the introduction of new simulators, we anticipate a direct impact on the UAE economy through the expected 20 regional pilot exercises, which will strengthen our position by further empowering local capabilities and training the military and defense sectors in the region.”
“With these advanced simulators our longstanding partner Abu Dhabi Aviation will be able to deliver outstanding training services with state-of-the-art virtual reality technology. It will be the first regional player with simulation training for both the AW139 and AW169, best sellers in their respective helicopter categories for a range of missions,” said Leonardo.
Abu Dhabi Aviation is a national joint stock company and the largest helicopter operator in the Middle East and North Africa. Founded in 1976, it has 55 aircraft fleets, including 51 helicopters and 4 fixed-wing aircraft. Abu Dhabi also operates aircraft to various destinations. Awarded a world-class award in safe aviation, it has secured 1,000,000 (million) flight hours safely.
Abu Dhabi Aviation provides shipping support services to offshore oil fields and other services worldwide, particularly to oil and gas producers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and beyond, in addition to the services of air ambulance and search and rescue.
Abu Dhabi Aviation has established its own simulation unit that will cover the training needs of all its customers in the UAE and the MENA region. For expansion, Abu Dhabi Aviation has built a separate building to facilitate the operation of the simulation unit and will evolve into an international helicopter training center.
Abu Dhabi Aviation provides Air Ambulance and Medical Evacuation Service for multiple destinations and has developed its services by adopting a modern aircraft fleet in line with business needs and safety strategy.
The company also provides VIP transportation services, crop workshops, aerial construction, earthquake support and fire fighting in the UAE and in Europe.
The company also continued to expand its business to other markets. It owns 50% of the ownership stakes in Royal Jet, the world’s largest award-winning commercial company that operates Boeing Business Jet aircraft.
Another area of growth for Abu Dhabi Aviation is its entry into the market for heavy-air cargo. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Aviation acquired the Abu Dhabi-based Maximus Air LLC.
