Arabasco, claimed to be the pioneer provider of business aviation service in Saudi Arabia and the region, participated in the 2014 MEBA aviation exhibition, which ended at the Dubai World Center last week.

During three-day MEBA, Arabasco and Bombardier, described as the world’s only manufacturer of planes and trains, have signed General Terms Agreement (GTA), by which Arabasco will be awarded an authorization to become a service center facility (ASF) for Bombardier to maintain, repair and provide AOG (aircraft on ground) technical support for all local and regional owners and operators of the Challenger 605 business jets.

The signing ceremony was held at the Arabasco Chalet (A22) last week and was attended by Prince Abdallah bin Turki bin Nasser Al-Saud, chairman, Arabasco and Eric Martel, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

Eric Martel, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Bombardier, commented: “Bombardier, upon its audit of the Arabasco’s maintenance and repair organization (MRO), including its manpower, tooling, procedures and certification, has found Arabasco to be fully qualified and in a position to adequately support the various number of challenger aircraft in the area.”

On the other hand, Prince Abdallah bin Turki bin Nasser Al-Saud, chairman, Arabasco, said: “We are very delighted with this agreement as it is an international recognition of our capabilities. We have managed since 1982, to maintain our leading position as the pioneer provider of business aviation services, as we blend exactly the support services elite world travelers’ need with relentless focus on safety and international standards.”

Prince Abdallah added: “Forecasts indicate the region is expected to double its current figure of around 530 registered aircraft and business aviation in the MENA region growing to $1.3 billion by 2020, up 152 percent from the $515 million industry. The business aviation industry has to be supported to maintain its growth.”