Mark Hannant
The Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (Gamco) is one of the big success stories of the developing regional aviation market.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Gamco is now the biggest aerospace employer in the Middle East, says the new man at the helm, general manager Allan Dollie.
Dollie, who took his job just 10 weeks ago, was formerly chief engineer with American giant Northwest Airlines.
He has overseen a restructuring of the company and its two subsidiaries, Gamaero and Gampas, which will see top-level talent from around the industry recruited to implement a programme that he believes will bring even greater levels of growth.
"We foresee great potential to maximise some areas of the business, particularly our components workshop and engine workshop, which are currently under-employed.
"I also intend to see us become a centre of excellence for Airbus maintenance and overhaul and to increase the number of airlines - currently 65 - for whom we undertake line and casualty management."
Corporate
With growing interest in the corporate market in the region, the company also hopes that it can capitalise on corporate owners' emphasis on style and excellence.
The group's commitment to the regional industry is seen in its announcement that it is to launch the Gulf's first aeronautical engineering apprenticeship scheme.
Gamco will take on 15 apprentices at its base in Abu for each of the next four years, creating a 60-place, four-year scheme based on the model of what an apprentice in the UK could expect.
Day-release is being arranged through local Higher Colleges, which will provide teaching in English, mathematics and technical drawing, while the company covers practical hangar work and hand-tool training.
"We cannot turn our backs on the skills and experience of expatriates but we can channel those into the local economy so that gradually we build up a pool of well-trained and highly-competent professionals," says Dollie.
"That may involve arranging secondments or visits to other businesses around the world. Not only do I believe we have a requirement to be net investors in the region, I also believe it makes sound economic sense."
Source: Flight Daily News
