US-based AeroThrust Holdings has concluded a joint venture agreement with Bahraini partners to establish an aircraft engine maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bahrain.

The announcement was made today at the second Bahrain International Airshow by Bahrain's Economic Development Board (EDB). The Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) has also declared its support for the venture. 

The establishment of AeroThrust Gulf Aviation Services in Bahrain follows a proactive outreach and consultation process by the EDB, said a statement.

This joint venture is expected to leverage AeroThrust's technical expertise in the aircraft engine MRO services sector.  The company will provide full range of aircraft engine MRO services for the Pratt & Whitney JT8 and CFM International’s CFM 56 series of engines.

The facility, along with the test cell, is expected to cover 94,000 sq ft.  It will be completely dust free and incorporate the latest climate control technologies, tools and machinery, the statement said.

AeroThrust Gulf Aviation Services is expected to invest around $20 million over the next three years in its facility at Bahrain.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al-Khalifa, chief executive of the EDB, expressed his pleasure at AeroThrust Holdings decision to make Bahrain their home in the Middle East. 

“Bahrain has a proud heritage in the aviation sector and offers a strong location and infrastructure from which to do business across the Gulf region. We have worked closely with AeroThrust Holdings to provide them with all the necessary support and this investment is a demonstration of the benefits of locating in Bahrain. Going forward, we are keen to continue to work together as they build, staff and grow their operations in the Kingdom”.

Mario Abad, principal and owner of AeroThrust Holdings, said: “We considered a number of countries in the Middle East to establish an aircraft engine shop, ultimately, we chose Bahrain for its strategic location, excellent support from the EDB and most importantly for the vision demonstrated by the Government of Bahrain to develop the aviation and aerospace sector.  The facilities in Bahrain will be on par with our Miami operations and will include Non-destructive Testing (NDT), Test Cell and Plating Operations.”

Vijay Arumbakkam, chairman, AeroThrust Gulf, said the company is keen to service the engine MRO market in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent.  “There are only a few established aircraft engine service providers in the Middle East and there is significant potential to assist and provide incremental value to airline operators that currently use either Europe or North America as their base for MRO services – in essence we are bringing a significant portion of the MRO services to their doorstep here from Bahrain.”

Khalifa Alsada, CEO, AeroThrust Gulf said: 'We see this as a great opportunity for Bahrain to expand its presence in the aviation sector. We thank HRH King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa for his relentless spirit and guidance to establish Bahrain as a leading investment destination in the Middle East, the EDB for their outstanding implementation support and the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority for their timely assistance with respect to all certification and regulatory approvals.” - TradeArabia News Service