Bahrain's MENA Aerospace is setting itself up as an expert in the conversion of special mission aircraft following an alliance with US-based North American Surveillance Systems.
The Bahrain-based venture will fit helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with airborne components and subsystems to equip them for roles such as search and rescue and law enforcement.
Capabilities, said MENA, would include initial certification of the aircraft and follow-on testing. MENA chief executive Ralph Eisenschmid said he was "convinced that the region requires these services" and that the "immediate focus will be to expand the services offering throughout the Middle East and North Africa".
At the Bahrain air show, MENA also awarded construction contracts for its planned business aviation hangar at Bahrain International airport. In 2010, MENA won the contract to build the 26,300m² (86,000ft²) facility, which includes a private taxiway, offices and workshops.
Source: Flight International
