Bell Helicopter, a Textron company, appointed Abu Dhabi Aviation as an authorised Bell Helicopter customer service facility for Bell 412 and Bell 212 aircraft to support continued customer growth in the Middle East.
“The Middle East is an extremely important market for Bell Helicopter. As our operator network grows it is important we provide our customers with smart and simple service solutions to accommodate the expanding region,” said Glenn Isbell, the aircraft maker's executive vice president, customer support and services, speaking at the Dubai Airshow. “Bell Helicopter and Abu Dhabi Aviation share a rich history of 40 years accumulating more than 1 million flight hours on their Bell helicopter fleet.”
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In addition to the Bell deal, ADA also signed an agreement with Italy-based Leonardo for two additional AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The aircraft will be used for offshore transport with deliveries expected in 2017. This latest order is part of an agreement announced in 2015 for 15 rotor craft including the AW139, AW169 and AW189, with deliveries through to 2019.
Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, in 2016 Leonardo recorded consolidated revenues of €12 billion (Dh51.4bn) and has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the UK, the US and Poland.
"These helicopters are widely used in the UAE, the GCC and the Middle East," said Nader Ahmed Al Hammadi, the chairman of ADA.
"ADA’s AW139s benefit from the support solutions provided locally by AgustaWestland Aviation Services, an ADA and Leonardo joint venture delivering thorough support and maintenance services in the region.”
ADA is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, with 61 helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft. The company provides aviation offshore oil support and other services worldwide, in particular to oil and gas production companies in Abu Dhabi. It also provides VVIP passenger transportation services, search and rescue services for the UAE, crop spraying, aerial construction, seismic support, firefighting in Europe and third-party maintenance support.
“This [Bell] authorisation is a testament of the efficiency of Abu Dhabi Aviation's maintenance services that meet the highest standards,” said Mr Al Hammadi.
Bell Helicopter has over 100 authorised customer service facilities in 34 countries.
