SAMI Aerospace inks deal with Airbus Helicopters Arabia

SAMI Aerospace, an affiliate of Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) company, has signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopter Arabia, Airbus Global’s arm in the Middle East and North Africa, aiming to assist its partners to build their technical abilities in the field of helicopters.

The deal was signed at the UK’s Farnborough International Airshow.

Airbus Helicopter Arabia will support SAMI in building its technical capabilities to provide rotercraft technical support to the Saudi Armed forces.

This agreement will play a key role in equipping the staff with vital helicopter airframe maintenance skills and enhance its repair capabilities for landing gears, engines, engine accessories, and blades within the Industrial Partnership Agreement with GAMI, the local MRO players, and the Aircraft Accessories and Components Company (AACC), a SAMI’s subsidiary.

Commenting on the contract, Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, said: “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Airbus, a major helicopter manufacturer in the industry. This contract will contribute greatly to our ongoing technology and human capital localisation efforts through extensive training to accelerate development. We look forward to welcoming Airbus Helicopter’s dedicated staff, who will enable our national talents to gain valuable experience throughout the duration of the agreement.”

Mickael Bertrand, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Arabia, added: “It is with great pride that we embark on this new collaboration with SAMI Aerospace. We are dedicated to empowering one of the region’s most significant industry players through our own personnel’s expertise. This contract also represents an invaluable opportunity to be part of and strengthen our support to the Kingdom’s rapidly developing defence ecosystem.”