Abu Dhabi Aviation

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Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) was formed in 1976 as a joint venture agreement between the Emirate of ABU DHABI (eighty percent) and a foreign Company (twenty percent) with a capital of Dh. 2,000,000. The Company at that time only operated two aircraft. As part of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan’s policy of encouraging National companies and investment within the country, the transfer of the company to full public status was effected on 16 May 1982, providing for the establishment of a National Joint Stock Company with a capital of Dh. 60,000,000. The Government retained 30% of the capital in order to give continued support to the Company.

By 1983, the fleet size had increased to a total of 34 aircraft, flying over 38,800 hours annually, an average of over 100 hours per day. In 1985, Abu Dhabi Aviation was authorized to operate fixed wing aircraft and to conduct 3rd party aircraft maintenance. In 1991, Abu Dhabi Aviation was awarded it’s first fixed wing aircraft contract. This contract, with the largest Oil Company in the UAE, is now operated with three new DHC-8 aircraft.

Abu Dhabi Aviation

In 1996, 1999 , 2002 , 2003 , 2004 and again in 2005, the Company issued bonus shares and as a result the paid capital increased to Dh. 292,032,000. A right issue of shares was also approved and started. After the completion of the right issue, the capital was increased to Dh. 404,352,000.

Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, operating 59 helicopters (8 Augusta Westland AW139 - additional 13 awaiting delivery, 15 Bell 412, 19 Bell 212 and 4 Bell 206), 3 fixed-wing aircraft (3 DHC-8); employing over 748 personnel, including some 129 pilots and 221 aircraft maintenance engineers. The bulk of the Company’s business activity is in support of Abu Dhabi Offshore Oil and Engineering / Construction Companies. Other business activities include medical evacuation, survey, photography and charter. Additionally, all crop spraying in the UAE is accomplished by ADA, as well as most aerial spraying in the Sultanate of Oman.

Inside the workshop

Abu Dhabi Aviation has also expanded its operations to neighbouring areas and has completed numerous Contracts throughout the Middle East, to include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Yemen, Spain, Pakistan and Eritrea. Seismic surveys in search of oil and other natural resources have been completed utilizing specialist underslung load techniques using a 100 ft “long line”, thus enabling the helicopter to remain well clear of all obstructions. This same technique has also been used most successfully to conduct other work, such as erecting pylons as part of government schemes to bring electricity to remote areas and construction of microwave towers.

ADA currently operates 1 Bell 212 helicopters in support of long term contract for a major oil company in the Republic of Yemen. A fire fighting contract in Spain, utilizing between 6 to 9 Bell 212 helicopters. The Company’s Marketing Department actively pursues new business opportunities worldwide.

Since the Company’s inception, ADA has flown over 770,000 hours in helicopters and over 35,000 hours in fixed wing aircraft. Bell Helicopter awarded Abu Dhabi Aviation with a plaque representing 700,000 helicopter hours. The high intensity of offshore oil support work has required an annual average of some 200,000 landings and take-offs. In an average month, 15,000 passengers and 162,000 kgs. of freight are transferred to and from offshore areas. In addition, over 11,000 passengers are moved between various locations offshore. Sustaining these rates has required a high degree of dedication, commitment and professionalism on the part of the pilots, engineers and supporting staff.

Abu Dhabi Aviation relocated from Bateen Airport to a greatly improved and much larger purpose-built facility at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. This new facility will provides the additional capacity and the state-of-the-art equipment required to not only conduct its own maintenance, but to substantially expand its 3rd party heavy maintenance capabilities, including major overhauls, refurbishments and repainting for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.