A new joint venture has been agreed by Canadian firm GAL Aviation and MENA Aerospace Enterprises of Bahrain with the aim of establishing the first business aircraft interiors refurbishment centre in Bahrain.

In addition to setting up fabrication and design capabilities, the so-called GAL MENA joint venture will provide training in associated trades.

"The services will be provisioned from purpose-built GAL MENA facilities in Bahrain and at its hangar at the Bahrain International Airport, and supported by GAL Aviation's production centre in Canada," said the two firms, which expect GAL MENA to be operational by the second quarter of 2012.

GAL Aviation partner and vice-president of business development Marc St-Hilaire added: "The demand for these products and services is very strong. Since GAL's team has a proven track record in working in these areas, we felt it was a natural evolution to join forces with MENA Aerospace to provide the operational platform and regional network from which to deliver these services.

"This operation will focus on aircraft cabin refurbishment, reconfiguration and warranty programmes. This complements our operation in Canada, where we design and produce new aircraft cabin components for major business jet manufacturers."

Source: Flight Daily News