Langkawi, March 23 – Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd (GTA), a Malaysian born joint venture with Safran Group has signed a memorandum of understanding providing engine maintenance works for helicopters and aircrafts to Helang Flying Academy Sdn Bhd (HFA), the new regional flying school based in Ipoh, Malaysia.
The MoU signed will see GTA & HFA discussing on Support By the Hour program for the future Safran Helicopter Engine equipment acquisitions and to jointly explore a mutual collaboration in training while respecting both parties’ interest and core business activities.
This contract will cover end to end support, allowing Helang Flying Academy to guarantee the excellence of the fleet of seven EC120 helicopters that it is currently acquiring. Safran Helicopter Engines will cover all phases of the maintenance process giving Helang Flying Academy a global support system that optimises maintenance costs and ensures on-time performance.
This MoU also covers Helang Flying Academy mechanic training by Safran Helicopter Engines which leads to HFA being the first Safran Helicopter Engines-approved centre for overhaul of helicopter engines in the Asian region.
Helang Training Academy is a joint venture between Major Flagship Sdn Bhd, and Defense Conseil International (DCI), the reference operator of the French Ministry of Defence. The JV was announced last year at Farnborough Airshow, in London and aims at providing training to Military and Civil operators from Asia and Middle East from its modern facilities in Malaysia.
“Having a well maintained aircraft is just as important as our experienced instructor personnel and experts providing state of the art training to our students. We are confident that GTA will be able to provide exceptional level of service required for our academy,” commented Charles Le Bot, CEO of Helang Flying Academy after he signed the MoU with Datuk Nonee Ashirin Dato’ Mohd Radzi, GTA Chairman & CEO.
The signing was witnessed by Valerie Patuel, COO of Global Turbine Asia, DCI President Jean Michel Palogos, Dato Zaki Zahid, Director of Major Flagship Sdn Bhd, Dato Rozabil Abdul Rahman, Director of Major Flagship Sdn Bhd and Franck Saudo, Executive Vice President, Safran Helicopter Engines.
“We are happy to and very excited to supporting Helang Flying Academy in their extensive operations . We are looking forward to daily ensuring excellence in our relations and to play our important role for their fleet availability and ensure safe operations with our engines ,” added Nonee.
DCI, who is already a key customer to GTA’s partner, the Safran Group, has a renowned expertise in the helicopter field, both in pilot training as well as maintenance operations. The company will provide key specialists in providing training at the academy.
Currently, GTA and Helang Flying Academy are finalizing the details on the types of maintenance support which includes the comprehensive Support By Hour® service.
Helang Flying Academy targets to provide training for civil and government clients in the South East Asia region, which includes initial pilot and specific mission training.