Source:
https://scmp.com/article/1772703/abu-dhabi-aviation-diversifies-offerings-and-expands-markets
Country Reports

Abu Dhabi Aviation diversifies offerings and expands markets

Nader Al Hammadi, chairman

The Middle East is shaping up as the centre of global aviation with almost 15 per cent of air traffic from Europe to Asia passing through one of the Gulf's three major hubs. 

Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, flies high and wide in search of market opportunities.

"We take a conservative approach and prioritise a business plan if it works. Otherwise, we look for other growth channels to optimise our portfolio," says chairman Nader Al Hammadi. 

ADA's business formula has enabled it to capture the biggest domestic market share and maintain external global contracts. Boasting a stellar track record, ADA is a partner of choice for offshore oil, engineering and construction companies in Abu Dhabi. Its value-added solutions include helicopter maintenance and spare parts services. 

Outside its borders, ADA conducts seismic surveys, fire fighting and medical evacuation activities. The company maintains long-term collaborations with Japanese oil consortium United Petroleum Development Company.

ADA shares the vision of transforming Abu Dhabi into a major aviation hub. Partnering with FlightSafety International, ADA is set to unveil its helicopter training centre this year - the first of its kind in the Middle East. The centre will provide aircraft professionals with tailored, industry-leading flight simulators and instructional technologies. Clients coming from the Middle East, North America and Asia will benefit from the close proximity of ADA's training centre as an alternative to Europe.

The company steps up to bolster its aviation capabilities. ADA's subsidiary Royal Jet gears up to double its fleet to 20 aircraft in five years. Streamlining its operations, ADA focuses on aircraft leasing and financing under short-term contracts. 

The company is open to strategic tie-ups with Asian firms, particularly as Abu Dhabi looks to Asia for oil concessions. "We value long-term relationships based on trust and loyalty, which makes us a reliable partner," Al Hammadi says.