Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA), one of the largest commercial helicopter operators in the Middle East, is diversifying further as it expands at home and abroad.

ADA and AgustaWestland will set up a joint venture in the UAE specialising in helicopter maintenance and training. In addition to its helicopter and fixed wing fleets, ADA also owns Maximus Air Cargo, one of the largest air cargo providers in the Middle East and is a 50% shareholder of Royal Jet.

ADA, which has been an AgustaWestland Service Centre since 2005, operates dozens of helicopters including 20 AW139s and has large and modern maintenance facilities based at Abu Dhabi international airport. The companies say the joint venture will deliver a wide range of services in Abu Dhabi that have historically been available only from the manufacturer in Italy or the United States.

The two companies will form a limited liability company to carry out helicopter repair and overhaul, customisation, modification and upgrading, and the sale of helicopter spare parts and accessories.