Atkins and Gama Aviation awarded MARs contracts

Image courtesy MoD

Airworthiness regulations were issued by The Military Aviation Authority in 2013, requiring all aircraft on the UK Military Aircraft Register to be assessed by an independent organisation to ensure they are safe, airworthy and fit for development whenever they’re needed most.

The reappointment means Atkins’ and Gama Aviation Plc will continue the work they have been undertaking for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) since 2014, during which time more than  2,500 MARs have been completed across a wide range of battlefield helicopters, combat jets, large transport and intelligence-gathering aircraft, as well as training and vintage aircraft.

The contract will see the team deliver airworthiness reviews for the next three years for HQ Air, and five years for JHC.

Led by Atkins, these comprehensive reviews will provide assurance to the MoD that their aircraft are fit for deployment for the next 12 months. This will include verifying that all maintenance activity has been successfully carried out and correctly recorded.

David Clark, Aerospace and Defence Market Director at Atkins, said: “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Atkins, so it’s doubly rewarding to be supporting HQ Air and JHC to keep their aircraft and personnel safe. Our reappointment speaks to the expertise we have demonstrated over the past six years, and we look forward to working closely with Gama Aviation and the MoD to ensure aircraft safety continues to be given the due diligence it deserves.”

Scott McVicar, Managing Director for Europe Ground at Gama Aviation, said: “Our relationship with Atkins and Headquarters Air Command has grown over the last six years to the extent where we have an intimate understanding of the task and the operational requirements our client. Simplifying complex tasks, delivering diligently and creating strong platforms that perform are core to our business. I believe that this re-award, in the face of strong competition, is testament to the value that Gama Aviation and Atkins are delivering to our client.”

With comprehensive expertise in engineering and programme management, Atkins - a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group - helps the UK government specify, acquire and certify the equipment and infrastructure needed for the Armed Forces to defend the UK’s national interests.

Atkins is also a member of the Aurora Engineering Partnership with QinetiQ and BMT, appointed by the Ministry of Defence as their Engineering Delivery Partner for Defence Equipment and Support to manage costs, drive performance and increase productivity by ensuring the Armed Forces receive the best equipment and support.