Sun MRO and Technical Services (Sun MROTECH), a unit of Deccan Charters, India, today celebrated the leasing of a hangar facility for MRO operations at Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) International Airport.

The partnership, which is in accord with the long term and broader vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the Supreme Council, will create a robust and enduring aviation ecosystem for aviation growth in the region.

The facility is being set up to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services to a number of airlines and business jet owners and operators. Initially the facility will provide line and base maintenance, component overhaul and structural repair works for single aisle narrow body aircraft (Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 families) and certain types of business jets. The facility will become operational from August 2016 subject to regulatory approvals.

The MRO operation will have shops for component overhaul, wheels & brakes, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, oxygen and emergency systems, structural repair and painting as well as others. It will not only cater to the UAE economy, and Ras Al Khaimah in particular, but also to the greater Gulf, South-East Asian and African nations.

Capt. G R Gopinath, chairman of Deccan, said: “I am encouraged by the progressive and visionary policies of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, and that of Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation and RAK International Airport.

“If a country has to achieve equitable all round growth and employment, aviation has to be key to that growth and integral to that vision. Sun MROTECH will create the foundations for the long term growth and stability of Ras Al Khaimah aviation. It will leverage and use the unique strategic advantage of RAK airport in the region, to not only tap into the UAE and Middle East markets but to attract aircraft from neighbouring regions such as Asia and Africa to generate foreign exchange earnings and boost the local RAK economy, by building lasting world class MRO and Technical services with the proactive support and encouragement of the RAK airport authorities," he added.

Sheikh Salem said: “We are delighted to welcome Sun MROTECH and Capt. Gopinath, the aviation pioneer who was often credited as being the father of low cost airlines in India, to RAK International Airport and believe this partnership signifies the strategic importance of RAK International Airport and reflects the opportunities available to aviation companies in the region. We believe that this new partnership will bring a considerable boost to the aviation industry and ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah.”

Mohammed Qazi, the CEO of RAK Airport Authority, added, “RAK International Airport looks forward to the new partnership with Sun MROTECH and will extend all support in its efforts to attract aviation business to the airport and the region.” - TradeArabia News Service