ADAT set to expand engine maintenance

For regional operators of the GP7200 ADAT will be able to offer full access to an Engine Alliance-branded MRO facility for the world’s largest contributor to the GP7200 order book.

"As we implement our new growth strategy, we are looking to expand our product portfolio and build it around next-generation products and technologies that reinforce our position as the Middle East's foremost independent aviation technical services provider," said John Byers, chief executive, ADAT.

"Providing GP7200 capability at Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies is perfectly aligned with our strategy. Engine Alliance is a long-term partner with a strong regional customer base and a leading product that is derived from GE's and Pratt & Whitney's latest and best propulsion technologies."

The two companies expect to finalise the transaction by the third quarter of 2009, and will start to work together immediately thereafter to get the Abu Dhabi facility fully certified and operational by 2012.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said it has signed a joint venture agreement with Helios SinoGulf Property Development to develop a logistics and business park under free zone regulation adjacent to Al Ain International Airport.

The development will cover 650,000 square metres and will include office space, distribution centres, light industrial units, freight forwarding stations and supporting facilities in a business park, that will cater to the needs of air cargo, aerospace and related industries.

The first phase of development represents an investment of more than $250 million. The development will start immediately and the first phase is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2010.

This development is in line with ADAC's greater development strategy for Al Ain Airport, and the needs of the emirate's increasingly diverse economy.

Khalifa Mohammad Al Mazrouei, ADAC chairman, said: "Adac is firmly committed to the development of Al Ain International Airport as a hub for low-cost carriers and dedicated air cargo freighters. We are joining forces with renowned industrial property developer Helios SinoGulf to create world class facilities supporting the air cargo business of Al Ain airport. The park will also cater to the demand of the upcoming high tech industry and aircraft Maintenance and Repair Operations activities poised to take place in Al Ain airport. This in turn will support and contribute to the growth and diversification of Al Ain economy and the rest of the UAE."

Helios SinoGulf is a joint venture formed in November 2008 between Helios Properties and SinoGulf Real Estate Investments of Abu Dhabi with the intent to develop warehousing and logistics parks across the GCC.