LANGKAWI: Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd (GTA), a Malaysian joint venture with France's Safran Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide engine maintenance works for helicopters and aircraft to Ipoh-based Helang Flying Academy Sdn Bhd (HFA).
In an emailed statement, GTA said the MoU will see the company and HFA negotiating a support-by-the-hour programme for the future Safran Helicopter Engine equipment acquisitions and explore mutual training collaborations.
"This contract will cover end-to-end support, allowing Helang Flying Academy to guarantee the excellence of the fleet of seven EC120 helicopters which 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," GTA said in the statement.
The MoU will see the new regional flying school in Ipoh, Perak, receiving mechanic training by Safran Helicopter Engines, resulting in HFA being the first Safran Helicopter Engines-approved centre to overhaul 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.
Helang Flying Academy targets to provide training for civil and government clients in the Southeast Asia region, which includes initial pilot and specific mission training.