Gulf Helicopters Company (GHC), a Qatar-based global commercial aviation services provider, is embarking on a landmark TrueChoice maintenance agreement with GE Aerospace for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of six CT7-2E1 engines that power three of its AW189 helicopters. The agreement also includes access to GE Aerospace's spare-engine pool to help maximise availability and minimise operational downtime for its AW189 fleet.

The TrueChoice brings together GE Aerospace's maintenance expertise and customisable services across the engine lifecycle. These solutions are designed to help customers maximise engine availability and predictability while effectively managing maintenance costs. Underpinned by GE Aerospace's growing data and analytic capabilities, the TrueChoice services are tailored to meet the business and financial objectives of operators, supporting flexible risk transfer and payment options.

Capt. Mohd Al Hilal, Gulf Helicopters Company, says: “Signing this agreement at the Dubai Air Show underscores our deliberate focus on safety, reliability and mission readiness for our clients in the energy sector. Our choice of GE Aerospace's TrueChoice programme is a direct investment in the operational excellence of our fleet. It ensures that our AW189 helicopters, powered by the CT7-2E1, will maintain maximum availability and continue to perform their critical long-range missions with the highest standards of flight safety and engine integrity.”

“This landmark TrueChoice agreement with Gulf Helicopters Company sets the foundation for a new level of engine maintenance and support for helicopter operators in the MENA region, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest level of services to meet the evolving needs of our Middle East customers,” adds Salim Mousallam, regional vice president, GE Aerospace. “We are proud to partner with GHC, an operator that prioritises safety and operational excellence. We look forward to providing high-quality services to GHC and reducing maintenance burden and service disruptions to support availability for its critical AW189 fleet.”

The GE Aerospace CT7/T700 family of engines has more than 100 million flight hours of experience on civil and military platforms worldwide and is the preferred choice of customers who operate the AW189 helicopter. The CT7-2E1 has proven itself with reliable operations in harsh and maritime environments while offering lower engine weight, lower fuel consumption and maintenance cost advantages compared to other engines in this power class.