The Abu Dhabi-based joint venture Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center (AMMROC) has been awarded a five-year contract extension to a performance-based logistics agreement which ensures the readiness of the United Arab Emirates’ military fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

Valued at UAE dirham 21.1 billion ($5.8 billion), the logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul services deal “enables the UAE armed forces to streamline processes and optimise manpower, by remaining focused on the operation of their aircraft,” AMMROC says.

“In only three years, we have developed our local knowledge, commenced the construction of world-class facilities, and demonstrated outstanding progress,” says Fahed Ghareeb Al Shamesi, chief executive of the Mubadala, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aerospace Services joint venture. The new deal, which uses a cost per flight hour operating model, will enable it to increase its workforce of UAE nationals, he adds.

UAE AS565 - BillyPix

BillyPix

Meanwhile, AMMROC and programme partner Eurocopter have returned a first upgraded AS565 Panther maritime helicopter (above) to the UAE Joint Aviation Command.

“The successful overhaul and modification of this aircraft reinforces AMMROC’s vision to operate a world-class facility providing self-sustaining, commercially viable platform solutions to the UAE armed forces,” the company says.

Flightglobal’s Ascend Online Fleets database records the UAE’s navy as operating eight AS565s. One example of the type was on static display at the 17-21 November Dubai air show, where AMMROC also announced its receipt of a Dh11.5 million contract, to perform the scheduled inspection and repair of the air force’s 13-strong fleet of AS550 utility helicopters.

Source: Flight Daily News