Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based operator Sky Prime has signed a contract to collaborate with Etihad Aviation Group's engineering and aviation training divisions. The agreement allows the two companies to work together across multiple operations, including heavy maintenance and cabin modification support such as Part 21J and Part 21G engineering services.

Etihad has already delivered C-checks and cabin repairs to two VIP aircraft in the Sky Prime fleet at its MRO facility in Abu Dhabi. Additional projects are planned over the coming months.

Sky Prime CEO Captain Mokhtar says: “We value this co-operation with Etihad Aviation Group, which will play an active role in supporting and growing the Saudi aviation sector.”

Etihad Airways Engineering CEO Abdul Khaliq Saeed adds: “Our team enjoys a strong reputation in the international market for expertise and experience on major commercial aircraft platforms. While we have been supporting luxury aviation operators locally for many years, we are now expanding our services to the VIP aviation sector across the region and beyond. Our partnership with Sky Prime is a perfect example of this expanded scope.”

Aircraft hangars at the Abu Dhabi facility cover approximately 66,000 sqm, including 10,000 sqm of aircraft painting facilities and a custom-designed hangar that can accommodate up to three Airbus A380 aircraft simultaneously. The company has successfully completed maintenance projects over the years for operators across the world.

Sky Prime will dry and wet lease Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) full flight simulators at Zayed Campus, Etihad's training facility in Abu Dhabi. The training will be conducted by both Etihad and Sky Prime instructors.

Director of EAT Paolo La Cava says: “We are looking forward to welcoming Sky Prime instructors and pilots to conduct Airbus A320, A340 and Boeing 777 and 787 training at Zayed Campus. Last year was strong following our relaunch and we anticipate an even stronger 2019 with Sky Prime as our first Saudi Arabian partner.”

Crew resource management training, a tool for improving air safety, will also be conducted by EAT trainers for Sky Prime's pilots and cabin crew. Sky Prime cabin crew will also receive recurrent training with EAT's cabin safety trainers.

Captain Mokhtar adds: “In line with the Saudi 2030 vision, we are delighted EAT is helping us fulfil our development strategy. To use its best-in-class training facilities and pilots to train our flying crew will enable us to gain the trust of our customers.”

EAT boasts 11 FFSs including three Airbus A320 devices, two Airbus A330/A340s, one Airbus A380, two Boeing 777s and three Boeing 787-9s. The facility is expanding and will soon see the arrival of a brand new Airbus A350 FFS, as well as an Airbus A320 fixed base device, both of which will be available in Abu Dhabi to third party customers.

There are 109 cadet pilots currently in EAT programmes, all of whom are UAE nationals. In addition to training pilots for Etihad Airways on its multi-crew pilot licence programme, EAT also trains pilots for third party customers including L3 and Alpha Aviation.