Alsalam Aircraft has signed a deal with the UK's Marshall Aerospace to help the Saudi Arabian maintenance house develop its capabilities. The Riyadh-based company has also received contracts from the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and Kuwait Airways.
Alsalam president and chief executive Saleh Al-Harkan says: "We can do maintenance, and the next stage is modifications and upgrades. We will collaborate on projects."
"We are looking at older [Boeing] 747s and [LockheedL-1011] TriStars for cargo conversion, but not just Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft, "Al-Harkan says. Alsalam is looking to secure civil and military work from outside Saudi Arabia.
A first RSAF contract is worth $345 million over three years for Boeing F-15 Eagle technical support, and the second is for depot maintenance for the same fighter, worth $120 million.
Kuwait Airways has contracted Alsalam to perform a 747 C-check. The company recently completed its sixth 747 D-check for Saudi Arabian Airlines, which included Section 41 and pylon modification work. In December, the firm will begin major checks for Saudi Arabian Airlines' Airbus A300-600s.
Alsalam is one of five Economic Offset Programme companies formed as part of commitments linked to RSAF aircraft procurement. Al-Harkan says the company was established to transfer technology and skills to Saudi nationals.
Boeing owns 50% of Alsalam, with the rest in the hands of flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines and Saudi investors. It specialises in heavy maintenance and works on RSAF Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, E-3 Sentrys, KE-3A in-flight tankers, Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, Panavia Tornado fighters, as well as Saudi army Bell 406CS Combat Scout and SikorskyUH-60 Desert Hawk helicopters.
Source: Flight International
