Abu Dhabi Aviation will launch a consultancy arm as part of its continuing diversification strategy, the commercial aviation services operator said yesterday.
In a joint venture with the British consulting firm JCBA, the Abu Dhabi-listed company is counting on its aviation sector experience and track record to help ADA Millennium break into the elite ranks of consultants such as McKinsey & Co and KPMG.
Abu Dhabi Aviation will own 51 per cent of ADA Millennium and JCBA the rest.
The Abu Dhabi Aviation chairman Nadir Al Hammadi said that it was on a diversification path to help offset the highly cyclical nature of aviation. It operates a fleet of 61 helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft that services the offshore oil, engineering and construction industries including medical evacuation, according to its website.
The company also owns the cargo airline Maximus Air and holds a 50 per cent stake in the luxury charter operator Royal Jet.
Abu Dhabi Aviation will expand its commercial aviation training centre business this year and also make a push into property development to better use its real estate holdings, Mr Al Hammadi said.
John Bowell, ADA Millennium’s managing director, said that the aviation sector would be a springboard to those that offer “natural synergies” such as hospitality and leisure.
The consultancy’s focus will be on the Middle East, Africa and Turkey and clients will be a mix of private and public sector entities, Mr Bowell said.
malrawi@thenational.ae
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