BOEING and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. have formed a joint venture to compete for sustainment services in support of Saudi Arabia's rotorcraft fleet. Contracts that the joint venture will pursue are administered by the US government as part of its Foreign Military Sales process. The joint venture will help advance the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy, expand the technological expertise of its aerospace and commercial sectors, and create jobs. “The Boeing and Sikorsky team will provide the Kingdom with comprehensive support for its rotorcraft along with long-term economic benefits by having Saudi nationals perform the hands-on work,” said Chris Smith, vice president and managing director of Boeing's defense business in Saudi Arabia. An equal-share joint venture, Boeing Sikorsky International Services (BSIS) offers comprehensive in-country logistics, fleet and supply-chain management, maintenance support and aircraft modifications, as well as training for aircrew and maintainers. “This is a significant milestone in strengthening our future competitive capabilities, designed to bring better value in support of the Saudi military rotorcraft fleets,” said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS), the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft. “Drawing on our joint expertise, BSIS will compete and operate as a single-source provider of local and comprehensive sustainment for the Kingdom's rotorcraft platforms.” Both companies have decades of experience working together as well as operating in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia operates a fleet of Boeing fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms. In addition, Boeing supports research and community projects and is involved in strategic and collaborative partnerships to help the Kingdom achieve its long-term educational and industrial development goals. Sikorsky's history of working with the Kingdom dates back to the early 1990s. – SG
