Heli-Expo 2016: Sikorsky partners with Taqnia Aeronautics
Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky has entered into an agreement with Taqnia Aeronautics to explore opportunities to manufacture helicopters in Saudi Arabia, Lockheed Martin announced on 23 February.
The agreement outlines the skills, technology and investment needed for operations and could lead to direct involvement in the assembly of Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk helicopters in the country.
Ali Al-Ghamdi, chief executive officer, Taqnia Aeronautics, said: ‘Entering into this agreement will give Taqnia Aeronautics the foundation to create a helicopter assembly operation in Saudi Arabia and assist in developing local content.’
Alan Chinoda, chief executive officer, Saudi Arabia, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘We are proud to be facilitating the kind of knowledge-based collaboration that accelerates job growth, technology sharing, and industrial partnership in the kingdom.’
Saudi Arabia presently operates a fleet of Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters. The Ministry of Interior operates Sikorsky’s S-92 commercial heavy lift helicopters. The company has also been contracted to deliver Seahawk helicopters to the national defence ministry.
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