NAS Tech inks deal with Lufthansa

Riyadh: NAS Tech, the technical arm of National Air Services (NAS), has signed an agreement with Lufthansa-Technik on engineering and aircraft maintenance.

Sulaiman Al Hamdan, CEO NAS Group, said, "This agreement is the result of long-term negotiations between the two companies for more than a year, and we are proud and happy of this partnership with Lufthansa-Technik admiring the ability of NAS to expand and absorb such advanced technology."

The agreement is divided into two implementation phases, said Al Hamdan, the first covering three years and focusing on ways to enhance joint cooperation, transfer and resettlement aspects of knowledge and advanced technology in the field of engineering and aircraft maintenance.

Lufthansa-Technik will maintain NAS aircraft engines, equipment and instruments for 10 years. This will apply to single-aisle aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Embraer 190 and 195 as well as the Boeing Business Jet.

Engineers and technical advisories from Lufthansa Technik will oversee the practical implementation by NAS Tech for the maintenance of aircraft according to standard technical specifications applicable in Lufthansa Technik.

The second phase of the agreement is intended to take place within three years whereby other customers in Saudi Arabia will be serviced by the NAS Tech-Lufthansa combine.

NAS will support Lufthansa Technik in its future projects in Saudi Arabia, while receiving technical support for its own business and future projects. Al Hamdan said NAS is investing to establish the necessary facilities including hangars and integrated maintenance workshops.

Al Hamdan said: "NAS is set to sign training cooperation agreements with Saudi engineering graduates in the field of aviation, for training during the summer holidays at NAS Tech facilities for aircraft maintenance. Outstanding trainees shall be hired."

A senior executive of Lufthansa Technik said the company based its selection of technical cooperation with NAS on its reputation and performance over the last 10 years as a leader in the field of private aviation in Saudi Arabia.

Hani Kalakattawi, Chief Technical Officer, NAS, said that the agreement will bring many positive benefits, especially in the aspect of international licences. He added that NAS Tech is currently holding licences for aircraft maintenance for its under-management aircraft from the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) and Cayman Island Aviation Authority (CAACI).