Gamco starts military jet repair facility

Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Co (Gamco) has activated its military aircraft maintenance facility in cooperation with the UAE Air Force and General Electric (GE). This followed a tripartite agreement signed earlier.

Gamco will begin complete testing, repair, maintenance and overhaul of T-700 engines for Apache helicopters and CT7 engines for CN235 aircraft.

The training and technical support facility enhancement at Gamco was done by General Electric after the UAE Air Force selected GE's F110 engines to equip its F-16 aircraft, said Ahmed Hassan, manager, sales, military and commercial department, Gamco.

The UAE bought 80 F-16s from Lockheed Martin in March 2000.

"This is a big step forward for Gamco, which will be undertaking many more initiatives for military aircraft maintenance in addition to commercial aircraft maintenance," he said.

As per the certification, "GE has delivered to Gamco the applicable support equipment and required training to perform maintenance tasks as documented in the technical orders.

"Gamco is licensed to perform depot maintenance for the UAE Air Force and Abu Dhabi's CT7-9C and T-700-GE-701C engines in accordance with the depot support capability and technical assistance agreement."

Russell Sparks, vice-president and general manager of GE Military Engines Operation, said, "This is the first step of a long relationship between GE and Gamco and the UAE Air Force. We see more business for Gamco in the future."

Meanwhile, Gamco has also stepped up its in-house capabilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul of military aircraft since the UAE selected GE engines for the F-16 aircraft in 2000 and Mirage aircraft earlier.

Gamco is the depot maintenance base of the UAE Air Force for the entire life of F-16s' GE engine (F-110).

"As the only such facility in the region, Gamco sees potential for huge business from neighbouring countries too," said Hassan.

Investment in Gamco's military facility is Dh73.4 million.