Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and Sikorsky announce formation of joint venture

Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT) and Sikorsky Aerospace Services today announced the launch of a joint venture to provide world class military aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces and other military operators internationally, including in the wider Middle East and North Africa region.

ADAT is wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company, the strategic investment arm of the Abu Dhabi Government, in the United Arab Emirates. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.

The joint venture, known as AMMROC (Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center), brings together ADAT's military track record of high quality and reliable maintenance services, and Sikorsky Aerospace Services' Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) expertise.

With the combined strength of the joint venture parties and an aggregate investment that exceeds US$800 million, AMMROC will draw on decades of experience and expertise in aerospace engineering, material support, logistics, maintenance, component repair, overhaul and training to deliver a fully integrated MRO support program by a single provider. This will enable AMMROC to provide innovative platform solutions for all fixed and rotary wing aircraft, to ensure guaranteed aircraft readiness, deployability, improved safety and self reliance.

During the initial phase of operation, AMMROC will share existing ADAT facilities and support staff until the completion of the new AMMROC complex at the International Airport of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. AMMROC is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs in the United Arab Emirates during the first five years of operation, focusing on the development of UAE Nationals, and will also maintain an on-site presence at the UAE Armed Forces' bases associated with ongoing maintenance support contracts.

Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT), commented: "The formation of AMMROC is a major milestone for Abu Dhabi's aerospace industry and the evolution of ADAT. In partnering with Sikorsky we have brought two significant organizations together to create a world class facility that provides a self- sustaining, and commercially viable platform for the UAE Armed Forces and regional military customers. We have received tremendous support from the UAE Armed Forces and have worked closely with them in the planning phase of this important new venture".

David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services commented "We feel privileged to form this strategic joint venture with ADAT. Together we look forward to the benefits and new opportunities that AMMROC will bring to both our companies, to the UAE's Armed Forces, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and eventually to the Middle East and North Africa region".

Source: AMMROC