Abu Dhabi Aviation, the largest commercial helicopter and fixed wing aircraft operator in the Middle East will provide the Saudi Red Crescent Authority with six helicopters which will serve as air ambulances based on an agreement signed at Abu Dhabi Aviation’s offices in the UAE’s capital.

The agreement was signed by Nader Ahmed Al Hammadi, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Dr. Rasheed Al Eid, CEO, Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the presence of HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman, Abu Dhabi Aviation and HH Prince Faisal Bin Abd Allah Bin Abd El Aziz, Chairman of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority respectively.

Also present were Ambassador Ibrahim Bin Saad Ibrahim, Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in United Arab Emirates, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mazroui, General Manager and Ahmed Al Khouri, Air Brigadier & Adviser to the President of the board of directors from Abu Dhabi Aviation. Present from Saudi Red Crescent Authority were Captain Mohamed Al Ghaneem, manager of the Aviation team and Majid Al Ghadeer, Communications Manager and other high ranking officials from both parties.

“This agreement will further strengthens commercial relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. We’re focusing on achieving significant growth in key markets such as Saudi Arabia as part of our expansion strategy. We feel at this point in time we are ready to meet the needs of the Red Crescent Authority and this agreement represents an important milestone in our global expansion strategy. There is so much more that we can provide to the Saudi Red Crescent Authority and this initial agreement is pivotal to our ongoing relationship to work even closer with them in the future,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

For his part, Prince Faisal expressed confidence in Abu Dhabi Aviation’s capability to provide the kind of services needed to meet the requirements of Saudi Arabia’s Emergency Medical Services programme.

“Abu Dhabi Aviation’s excellent market reputation provided us with the trust and confidence we needed to seek their services. Undoubtedly, this agreement will prove that the Middle East aviation sector is capable of delivering world-class air ambulances for emergency medical service purposes across the region,” said Prince Faial.

The agreement is for Abu Dhabi Aviation to provide six helicopters, comprising four Bell 412 and two AW 139 as Air Ambulances providing support to the Saudi Emergency Medical Services programme. The helicopters which will be fully crewed are to be stationed at the two main bases of Saudi Arabia – Jeddah and Riyadh. In addition to the 24/7 coverage in the main bases the helicopters and crew will be positioned in Mecca during the Ramadan and Hajj periods this year. The contract period for one year will commence with immediate effect.