The JV with Abu Dhabi Aviation ready to respond to the continued regional helicopter fleet growth with a range of new services

• Helicopter MRO and logistics services introduction almost complete
• Maintenance, repair and overhaul services to be introduced for a wider range of components
• AWAS set to support the whole AgustaWestland Family of new generation models in the region

AgustaWestland Aviation Services LLC (AWAS), an Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) and Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland joint venture, announced today it is expanding its range of support solutions serving the growing fleet of AgustaWestland helicopters in the Middle East.

A three stage capability expansion plan will further grow AWAS’ range of support services in line with the continued expansion of the regional helicopter fleet. These plans include the completion of the introduction of helicopter MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) and logistics services, expansion of MRO services for a range of components, including a range of AW139 main rotor items, by the second half of this year and the introduction of capabilities to support the latest additions to the AgustaWestland product range, the AW189 and AW169, which have already received important orders by operators in the region. With the introduction of these capabilities AWAS will become a major support hub for the whole AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters.

Since its launch in late 2011 and becoming fully operational  in 2013, AWAS has made significant steps forward to offer an array of comprehensive services and activities for the planned sale of helicopter spare parts and accessories, helicopter/component repair and overhaul, customization, modification and upgrading.

With more than 200 AgustaWestland helicopters in service in the region today, AgustaWestland and ADA have successfully joined forces thanks to the combination of engineering and maintenance expertise and the local partner’s willingness to invest in new technologies. The set-up of a local hub for maintenance services has helped customers to access spare parts locally within a few hours. Annual  tests for AW109 legacy and AW139 rafts and floats, repairs and overhauls for both items and a turnaround time reduction of 50% on a range of MRO activities are among major results achieved. AWAS has been offering its customers 24/7 support access in case of AOG (aircraft on the ground) since early 2014.

Agusta Westland press release