Gulf Air has entered into a long-term Fleet Management Programme (FMP) contract with Singapore’s SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC).

“As the national carrier of Bahrain, Gulf Air’s strategy is aligned with the Kingdom’s ‘Vision 2030’ and this announcement is an important step in ensuring that we can continue to support that vision,” said Gulf Air chairman of the board of directors Talal Al Zain.

'We believe SIAEC are the right choice to help us boost our operational reliability, manage costs and establish a self-sufficient and robust aircraft maintenance system.'

Under the terms of the three-year contract, provision has been made for SIAEC to work with Gulf Air to insource the MRO services provided by SIAEC.

'SIAEC will provide training to local Gulf Air engineering staff with a long-term goal of strengthening our in-house technical / engineering capability,' added Gulf Air deputy chief Ismail Karimi.

SIAEC is a well known global engineering company that provides extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft to more than 85 international airlines worldwide.

Under the contract, SIAEC will provide a wide range of FMP services for Gulf Air’s Airbus fleet including ‘A’ and ‘C’ checks, fleet technical management, material management and engineering services, which will be performed in Bahrain and Singapore.

'The Middle East is poised to become an important springboard to Europe and Asia.  SIAEC is honoured and privileged to partner Gulf Air in developing Bahrain into a vibrant aviation hub in the region,' said SIAEC chief William Tan.

Gulf Air already has a heavy maintenance service contract with SIAEC since February 2008.-TradeArabia News Service