Middle East helicopter market to grow

The Middle East's helicopter market continues to grow with support from the commercial and military segments, according to Geoff Russell, Communication Manager for AgustaWestland (AW), an Anglo-Italian helicopter manufacturer.

He said, on the sidelines of the Dubai Helishow 2008, despite the shakeout in the financial market, the demand in the Middle East and Asia continues to be strong. For instance, more than 100 orders have been placed for AgustaWestland's medium twin-turbine helicopter AW 139.

Similarly, Dubai World Central's head of aviation and logistics components, Abdulla Al Qurashi, said yesterday DWC Aviation City would complement the 27-per cent growth in the worldwide copter market despite a reduction in worldwide spend for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

Meanwhile, last month, AW139's overall sales broke the 400-mark following a number of orders from civil and government agencies. Many of the Middle East's leading operators such as Abu Dhabi Aviation, Saudi Aramco and Gulf Helicopters have also placed major orders for the aircraft, the company said.

There is also a growing demand for VIP transport and seating configurations are available from four to 12 seats. Several police and law enforcement agencies in the Middle East are now operating helicopters for patrol, transports, rescue and public service missions, said Russell.

Speaking to Emirates Business, Russell said helicopters have been performing SAR (search and rescue) operations not just in the UAE but also in other countries in the Middle East.

"The military has always been one of the largest customers for helicopters worldwide.

"In July this year, the Qatari Armed Forces signed a contract for 18 AW 139 aircraft," he said.

Among more than 130 exhibitors from around the world present at this year's show, global majors include Bell Helicopter, Sikorsky, Evergreen Helicopters, AgustaWestland, Eurocopter, Erickson Air-Crane, HeliRussia, Saudi HEMS and Rockwell Collins.

Meanwhile, MRO and customer support centres have also been set up in the Middle East to support the growing population of helicopters in the region.

For instance, Srikorsky Aerospace Services, the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft, announced yesterday that Falcon Aviation services would establish a customer support centre in Abu Dhabi for S-76 helicopters.

Hawker Pacific is another company, with presence in the region, which has set up its new hydraulic workshop facility located in Jebel Ali.


ECFT-GHC deal

Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) said yesterday it has signed a five-year contract with Gulf Helicopters Company (GHC) to be its exclusive training provider for the company's fleet of Bell helicopters.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gulf Helicopter Bell 412 pilots will undergo training to meet special mission and regulatory requirements of GHC.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.