BRI: Abu Dhabi's GAL, China's CATIC open regional distribution hub for aircraft logistics

Abu Dhabi-based GAL, a regional provider of integrated aircraft sustainment solutions for military and civilian customers and part of EDGE, announced on Sunday the opening of the first regional distribution hub for aircraft logistics in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Chinese state-backed defence contractor, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC).

 

The establishment of the Middle East & Africa Distribution Centre (MEADC) was announced at the Dubai Airshow in November 2019 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of GAL, and Liu Yu, Chairman of CATIC.

 

The 1,440-square-metre facility, located in ADAFZ near Abu Dhabi International Airport, is expected to reduce the aircraft spares delivery period from weeks to fewer than 48 hours, and will cater to the UAE and the wider MENA region, the company said in a press statement.

 

"As a leading regional MRO services provider, we understand the challenges posed by spare parts distribution in the MENA region. The MEADC will significantly improve access to these essential elements, as well as increase productivity and reduce complicated logistics which arise when coordinating with international vendors," said Khalid Al Breiki, President of Mission Support at EDGE.

 

"We are excited to see how the first regional aviation distribution hub will benefit the UAE and feel this endeavour has solidified our place in the MENA region," added Li Pei, Vice President of CATIC.

 

CATIC is China’s premier defence contractor with a core focus on aviation products and technology. The company is the exclusive representative of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) in the global market.  

 

(Writing by N Madhura; Editing by Anoop Menon)