Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) has expanded its fleet to 49 aircraft with the addition of an AW139 and a DHC-8-300. "Both are performing satisfactorily," says the company's Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Mazroui.

He says ADA continues to be the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East operating 19 Bell 212s, 15 Bell 412s and eight AW139s. In addition it operates seven DHC-8s - two 200s and five 300s.

"The bulk of the company's business activity is carried out in support of Abu Dhabi offshore oil and engineering and construction companies," Al-Mazroui adds. But other activities include medical evacuation, survey, photography and charter. "Additionally, all crop spraying in the UAE is carried out by ADA, as well as most aerial spraying in the Sultanate of Oman."

ADA has expanded international operations with contracts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen, Spain, Pakistan and Eritrea as well as Oman. Seismic surveys in search of oil and other natural resources have been completed utilising specialist underslung load techniques using a 100 ft "long line" 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," says Al-Mazroui.

The high intensity of offshore oil support work requires 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.

ADA relocated from Bateen Airport to a larger purpose-built facility at Abu Dhabi International airport.