AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that an official opening ceremony was held today for the grand opening of LIATEC’s (Libyan Italian Advanced Technology Company) new facility at Abou Aisha airport, 60 km South of Tripoli. LIATEC is a Joint Stock Company incorporated in Libya and established through an agreement signed in January 2006 by the three shareholders – Libyan Company for Aviation Industry (50%), Finmeccanica (25%) and AgustaWestland (25%). LIATEC is a new industrial entity aimed at improving and developing the aviation and electronic systems capabilities in the country.

The new dedicated facility at Abou Aisha airport includes final assembly lines for single and twin engine helicopters. The final assembly of helicopters expands on the existing maintenance and training activities performed by LIATEC. The new facility will also enable LIATEC to expand its support and maintenance capabilities for helicopters as well as for upgrading training and transport airplanes with the latest generation of avionic systems. LIATEC is also already offering maintenance and training services at its facility in Tajura, East of Tripoli, for rotary wing aircraft and aircrew. A comprehensive range of training services is being provided including basic, advanced, conversion to type and mission training for rotary and fixed wing pilots. Maintenance training for various platforms and systems is also being provided to aircraft technicians. Support services, covering the AW119Ke, AW109 family and AW139 helicopters, comprise a range of solutions including helicopter and airplane maintenance and refurbishment, overhaul and up-grades, helicopter interior refurbishment and spare parts supply, repair and overhaul as well as avionic and instrument maintenance.