ABU DHABI -- Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (Gamco) has got a contract from UAE Air Force for the repairs and maintenance of its C-130 and CN235 transport aircraft amounting to Dh171 million.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Saif M.A. Al Mughairy, general manager, Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company, said that his service providing company has signed an agreement with the UAE Armed Forces for maintenance and technical support services of the entire UAE AF&AD fleet of Lockheed C130 / L100-30 and CN235 aircraft, valued above Dh171 million for five years.
Under the new line maintenance and technical support contract Gamco will assume full technical responsibility for first and second line maintenance, technical planning, engineering, quality, and logistics support services of the UAEAF&AD C130 / L100-30 and CN235 fleet.
In addition specialised training, encompassing class room and on the job training will be provided to UAEAF&AD technical staff to enhance and expand their knowhow of aviation practices.
These maintenance and technical services will be provided by a dedicated specialist Gamco team based at Bateen Air base supported by the Gamco main base located at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Therefore, Gamco will be the first civil company providing this quality service for these aircraft within the region, and this service will reduce the cost by 50 per cent to UAAF&AD. Gamco already provides depot heavy and light level maintenance services to UAEAF&AD on its C130 / L100-30 and CN235 aircraft under a separate depot maintenance support services agreement since 1990. Gamco also provides heavy maintenance support to several C130/L100-30 and CN235 aircraft operators in the region. Gamco is an authorised C130/L100-30 service centre certified by Lockheed Martin of USA, the manufacturer of the C130/ L100-30 aircraft.
Gamco has recently completed a legacy cockpit conversion to advanced glass cockpit for the Hercules C-130 aircraft.
BY HASEEB HAIDER
© Khaleej Times 2005
