Honeywell has enrolled United Arab Emirates-based Falcon Aviation Services as a member of its global channel partner network. The agreement covers the sale, installation and service of Honeywell avionics for Middle East-based helicopter operators.

The arrangement between the two companies will augment the avionics service and upgrade options available to regional helicopter operators by offering a more localised repair and installation provision for Honeywell equipment at Falcon Aviation Services' Abu Dhabi-based facilities. This will allow faster turnaround times for maintenance, repair and overhaul-related activities, which in turn can reduce the helicopter downtime.

“This channel partnership agreement with Honeywell will see our companies work closely to enhance the services we provide to helicopter operators in the Middle East,” says Mahmoud Hussain, managing director, Falcon Aviation Services. “We are greatly looking forward to this new relationship and to providing our customers with an even more tailored experience, which will allow us to boost our maintenance and upgrade options for their rotorcraft and potentially fixed wing aircraft in the future.”

There are currently 1,536 government or military-owned helicopters in operation in the Middle East, with an additional 202 commercial helicopters in private ownership across the region. The channel partnership between Falcon Aviation Services and Honeywell will see an improvement to the services available to these operators.

Honeywell's channel partner programme offers a concierge-level service to its members, including dedicated sales and marketing support, exclusive access to technical experts, tailored product training, and other incentives including integration and installation of Honeywell's latest technologies.

“Our aim is to provide a more localised service for our customers across the Middle East by working with highly regarded regional aviation maintenance and support providers,” says Mosab Alkubaisy, customer business director, Honeywell Aerospace. "The channel partnership with Falcon Aviation Services will provide Honeywell customers in the Middle East with dedicated support for their helicopter avionics and mechanical parts at a location close to their base of operation, which will in turn reduce turnaround time needed for upgrades and maintenance."

Falcon Aviation Services' integration and maintenance capabilities are growing and the company says its new formal partnership with Honeywell will provide greater access to Honeywell products helping both companies to improve the range of services they can offer to helicopter operators across the Middle East.