Global Aerospace Logistics Partners with Etihad to Support Local Jobs
GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics), a leading regional provider of integrated aircraft sustainment solutions for military and civilian customers, has announced that it has signed an agreement with Etihad Airways to support local jobs and training – enabling some Etihad staff to be seconded to GAL.
In other developments, an Etihad spokesperson has given a statement to the press announcing jobs cuts in several areas of its business due to the challenges thrown up by the coronavirus pandemic.
Without giving exact numbers the Etihad spokesperson said the airline expected to see reduced demand in the near future and certain "difficult decisions" had to be made. At the end of 2019 the airline employed nearly 20,400 people of various nationalities.
Initially for a six-month period, Etihad's partnership with GAL will enable the latter to leverage the expertise and experience of Etihad staff from a range of functions including maintenance, operations, supply chain and commercial departments to enhance several of its major aviation projects.
The deal will also extend Etihad’s specialised career training and development.
Watch: Etihad and Abu Dhabi Celebrate Everyday Heroes
The bipartisan agreement was initiated under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of GAL and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), in partnership with Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways.
Commenting on the new partnership, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said: “In the current environment, with the COVID-19 pandemic having such an impact on us all, it is only right that organisations within Abu Dhabi come together to support each other through innovative new working partnerships.
“The aviation sector is one of the cornerstones upon which our socio-economic future will be built, and it is this type of cooperation that will ensure we come out of the current crisis stronger and more resilient than before.”
Tony Douglas, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “I am delighted to work in partnership with His Excellency Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan and the other members of the GAL Management team.
"Like airlines the world over, Etihad Airways is having to review its current structure and resources and this partnership allows us the opportunity to retain talent for the future; while supporting colleagues in another Abu Dhabi aviation organisation.”
GAL is part of the Mission Support cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology group for defence and beyond, that was inaugurated in November 2019.
GAL is a leading regional provider of integrated aviation readiness solutions for military and civilian entities. Working with the world’s largest original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) service providers.
The company helps its clients achieve exceptional fleet readiness through world-class maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), supply chain, engineering, training and technical augmentation solutions.
