Abu Dhabi Aviation absorbs Etihad Engineering and other MRO entities
Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), an aviation service provider headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has successfully completed a transaction for the acquisition of stakes in Etihad Airways Engineering (EYE), Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre (AMMROC) and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) from a wholly owned subsidiary of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, in return for shares in ADA. The acquisition creates a vertically integrated aviation group of companies with capabilities in maintenance, repair and overhaul, logistics, supply chain and advanced engineering.
Abu Dhabi Aviation has a fleet of over 60 aircraft, primarily helicopters, and is active in several aerospace sectors. EYE provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services to multiple airlines including Etihad Airways, with over 2,000 employees working out of hangars covering 42,000 sqm. AMMROC operates a centre specialised in all-inclusive maintenance, modification and upgrade services for more than 35 different aircraft types. GAL is one of the largest providers of maintenance, repair and overhaul services in the Middle East and North Africa region, employing over 5,000 technicians and engineers servicing more than 45 aircraft types. The completion of this transaction creates a new “local champion” with over 9,500 employees, says Abu Dhabi Aviation. www.ada.ae
EBAA has started a new webinar series on business aviation developments
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) announced the launch of EBAA Insights, a dynamic fortnightly webinar series designed to keep members abreast of the latest developments in business aviation. Hosted in a lively and interactive format inspired by current affairs radio phone-in shows, EBAA Insights aims to showcase the association’s advocacy efforts while fostering dialogue and education within the industry. Each EBAA Insights episode features a 30-minute panel discussion alongside engaging segments such as polls, quizzes, member introductions, operational updates, event announcements, and industry data presentations. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively.
“We invite our members to join us for EBAA Insight Sessions and take part in these engaging discussions,” said Paul Walsh, EBAA’s Senior Manager for Member Services. “This series offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and fellow members while staying informed about regulatory changes and emerging trends in business aviation.” EBAA Insights aims to create a vibrant and interactive forum for networking and learning within the business aviation community. www.ebaa.org
EHang makes first eVTOL aircraft passenger flight in the UAE
EHang, the urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, last week announced that its pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft EH216-S has set a new milestone with the successful completion of the first passenger-carrying demo flight in Abu Dhabi, marking the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Middle East. Additionally, the EH216-F (for high-rise firefighting) and EH216-L (for aerial logistics) demonstrated their debut flights in the UAE, showcasing a diverse range of UAM use scenarios of pilotless eVTOL aircraft. The EH216 series pilotless eVTOL aircraft performed several autonomous flights at the Emirates Falcons Aviation Club in Al Ali, Abu Dhabi with the approval by the Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE.
EHang expanded into the UAE by joining the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries Cluster and establishing a strategic partnership with Wings Logistics Hub in December 2023, and further established a strategic collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and MLG in April 2024 to drive eVTOL development in the UAE. www.ehang.com
People: Gulfstream promotes Kirsten Menza to division Vice President, Sales
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. last week announced Kirsten Menza has been promoted to division vice president of Sales for Western United States, Western Canada and Latin America.
Menza joined Gulfstream in 2017 as regional sales manager and has more than 20 years of industry experience. She began her aviation career in aircraft ramp operations at San José Mineta International Airport and has held a variety of roles in charter sales, aircraft management and fractional aircraft sales. “Kirsten has continuously delivered strong sales performance in Northern and Central Coast California throughout her seven-year tenure with Gulfstream,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales, Gulfstream. “Her strong customer relationships and keen knowledge of the industry and the market are incredibly valuable, and we are thrilled to have her join the Worldwide Sales leadership team.” Menza earned her bachelor’s degree from San José State University and a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University. She also holds a commercial pilot’s license with multiengine and instrument ratings and is certified to operate unmanned aircraft systems. www.gulfstream.com
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