- Upgrade of the fleet set to reduce pilot workload thanks to increased automation
Dubai-UAE:– Horizon, the Middle East’s largest independent helicopter flight training academy supporting commercial and military operators, today announced its decision to replace the Bell 206 Jet Ranger and the Agusta Bell 206 with the Bell 505 helicopter.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2019, which is taking place at Dubai World Central from 17 - 21 November. Horizon’s initiative contributes to the market demand for glass cockpit helicopter training, while meeting the latest technology training needs.
The new Bell 505 aircraft come equipped with integrated glass cockpits and increased automation, among other features that are expected to reduce overall pilot workload whilst simultaneously providing unparalleled crew situational awareness.
Hareb Thani Al Dhahiri, CEO of Horizon, said: “The new aircraft underpins Horizon’s commitment to respond to the continually evolving technological advancements that are essential to our training courses. The integration of the Bell 505 into the fleet further reinforces the Academy’s mission of delivering the latest innovative training solutions.”
Ian D’Arcy, Vice President Middle East & Pacific of Hawker Pacific – as the Independent representative for Bell – said: “The replacement of the Bell 206 Jet Ranger – which dates from 1975 – and the Agusta Bell 206 with the Bell 505 will not only ensure Horizon remains the leading flight training academy in the Middle East, but also result in enhanced safety and mission capabilities.”
Since its inception in 2003, Horizon has been the only flight academy in the Middle East that provides flight training to both commercial and military customers on Bell aircraft. Among its most recent achievements, the Academy has received official approval to become a Recognised Bell Training Centre as a direct result of purchasing the Bell 505. Horizon has also received approval to provide Advanced Twin-Engine flight training on the Bell 429 range to support customers that require advanced training. These programmes will be in addition to the Bell 505 courses. Horizon’s success in achieving these milestones articulates its aim of supporting a new generation of pilots develop the latest industry skills, and ensure they are offered exposure to the best possible career opportunities.
Reiterating its pioneering status in the regional aviation industry, Horizon’s continuous adaptation is designed to further the Abu Dhabi Government’s approach of economic diversification, as well as its ambition to create a sustainable, knowledge-based economy that increasingly relies on advanced technologies.
Horizon is part of the Mission Support cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology company for defence and beyond, that was inaugurated in November 2019.
Hawker Pacific, A Jet Aviation Company, is one of the leading aircraft sales and product companies in Asia, Pacific and the Middle East, offering a range of product support activities including MRO, CR&O, Systems Integration and support services to fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
-Ends-
About Horizon
Horizon is the Middle East’s largest independent helicopter flight training academy based in Al Ain. Offering industry-standard and bespoke helicopter pilot training to a wide range of leading commercial and military operators from South Asia, Middle East and North Africa, the company has played a fundamental role in developing regional rotary-wing aviation capabilities for more than a decade.
As part of EDGE, the company consistently seeks out innovative training technologies and world-class partnerships to upskill pilots and enhance operational flexibility for customers.
For more information, please visit www.horizonuae.ae
About EDGE
EDGE is an advanced technology group that develops disruptive solutions for defence and beyond. Solving real world challenges, it is dedicated to bringing innovative technologies and services to market with greater speed and efficiency. Consolidating over 25 entities and employing more than 12,000 brilliant minds, EDGE offers expertise in five core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Cyber Defence, Electronic Warfare & Intelligence and Mission Support. Today, EDGE is reimagining capabilities through technology leadership with research and development at its core.
For more information, visit www.edgegroup.ae
Kevin Healy
Director of Communications and Marketing
EDGE
+971 58 948 9431
kevin.healy@edgegroup.ae
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
