MENA Technics, a subsidiary of Bahrain-based MENA Aerospace Enterprises, and US-based Aviance Global have established a regional MRO service centre in Bahrain covering both commercial and private jets. The centre will be a collaboration with NextGen Aviation Services, formerly known as Pulsar Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Aviance Global, and introduces an EASA Part 145 set up for base maintenance.

MENA Aerospace founder and managing director Dr Mohammed Juman says: “As part of MENA Aerospace's long term growth strategy, the opening of our own full-service MRO facility in collaboration with Aviance Global/NextGen Aviation Services in Bahrain supports the kingdom's efforts in strengthening its position as a key aviation and logistics hub both regionally and globally.”

Together with Aviance Global and NextGen Aviation Services, MENA Technics will offer a full turnkey solution to its clients, making Bahrain a competitive location for both private aviation and commercial airlines for their heavy checks. This partnership bolsters the MRO industry in the region, and the two-party collaboration plans to expand the services to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the near future to offer the same support services to clients there.

As part of the agreement, MENA Technics and Aviance Global/NextGen Aviation Services will offer their expertise in developing and training Bahraini personnel who are accredited with aircraft maintenance licences. It is estimated that 10 Bahraini aircraft engineers and 20 technicians will benefit from the training over the next three years. This training programme is supported by Tamkeen under its 'Train and Place' programme.

Aviance Global president and CEO Phillip Edinborough adds: “When presented with the opportunity for Aviance Global to expand into Bahrain and the wider GCC market, MENA Technics was the obvious choice. This partnership enhances the services and expertise offered in Bahrain to both regional and global customers, and paves way for further expansion in the near future.”

MENA's aviation real estate subsidiary will be expanding its existing general aviation hangar facility at Bahrain International airport, and the expectation is that it will be operational within the next two years.

At present, the company's 6,400 sqm purpose-built facility consists of two 3,200 sqm hangars, each capable of accommodating up to 757-500 sized aircraft or numerous business jets. The new 4,200 sqm expansion increases the company's ability to provide aircraft maintenance services for both commercial and private aircraft, as well as private jet parking.

MENA Aerospace general manager and CFO Anil Kumar says: “Aligned with our long term development strategy and to be able to provide ever better services to our clients, the expansion of our hangar facility lays foundations to further extend our services in the region. We are delighted to welcome both existing and new clients to our hangar.”

The Code-C hangar is built and operated to EASA 145 standards and is equipped with NFPA 409 compliant fire suppression system, back up electricity supply, compressed air, electrical and water points, drainage for aircraft washing and sectional translucent vertical doors by Megadoor. Facilities also include an office, workshop and storage space plus airside and landside access.

Bahrain International airport's new terminal, which opened in January 2021, increased the airport's capacity to 14 million passengers and 130,000 air traffic movements per year. MENA Aviation Real Estate remains the only private owner and operator of general aviation hangars there.