AMAC Aerospace: Relevance, Reliance and Responsibility

Aircraft Maintenance and Completions and/or Aircraft Management and Charter (AMAC Aerospace) is a leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as VIP completions and refurbishments. With a network of eight hangars across Europe, Turkey, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, AMAC Aerospace offers comprehensive solutions for mid-size, narrow, and wide-body jets.

The company prides itself on delivering high-quality, timely services to minimise aircraft downtime and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, AMAC Aerospace specialises in bespoke interior designs for VIP and corporate clients, ensuring luxurious and safe travel experiences. Committed to exceeding client expectations, AMAC Aerospace leverages its extensive expertise and state-of-the-art facilities.

The Inception

AMAC Aerospace was born out of the necessity to bring the concept of a true one-stop shop to reality. In 2007, changes were occurring in the marketplace, which was dominated by only a handful of players. Its four founding partners at the time, with a cumulative work experience of over 150 years, collectively put their stamp on the creation of a new company: AMAC Aerospace. In 2008, a groundbreaking ceremony took place, during which a time capsule was placed in the ground below their current Hangar 1, set to be opened after 30 years. To date, only the executive management knows the contents of the capsule.

Today, as a group of companies, AMAC Aerospace employs nearly 1,500 staff across its base locations in the UK, France, Switzerland, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. The group recently signed a contract with the Turkish Airport Authority in Bodrum – for a land expansion to 32,000 sqm – to build a three-bay wide-body aircraft hangar. Construction is underway, and upon completion, this project will create employment opportunities for an additional 300 people.

Global Offering

AMAC Aerospace operates in a global marketplace where competitors are spread worldwide, yet the reach of AMAC’s capabilities transcends any border or region. The company provides a wide range of services, including maintenance activities, completions and refurbishments, special complex engineering modifications, STC minor and major deviations from the original TC approved by OEMs, and many more.

Unlike some of its competitors, AMAC exemplifies the essence of a ‘one-stop-shop’, which has not been seen for nearly two decades. This approach positions AMAC favourably in the market, as clients value the convenience of comprehensive services and often return to get their aircraft serviced while receiving the same high quality care.

As the youngest company of its kind in this niche market, AMAC Aerospace stands as a testament to the vision and expertise of its founders. The shareholders’ past achievements highlight their prowess in the industry, and their lifelong professional connections are held in high regard.

The Leadership

Today, AMAC Aerospace is led by Kadri Muhiddin and Mauro Grossi, supported by a management team consisting of senior directors and their respective teams.

When AMAC entered the market in 2008, the founders had no expectation about how the aviation world would react. Over time, the company has proven its relevance, reliability and responsibility that has transgressed from AMAC into becoming a trusted partner for all their esteemed clients. The greatest satisfaction for the core team comes from seeing clients return, confident for the company’s dedication and high-quality services.

AMAC often likens its precision and quality to Swiss-made watches, emphasising that excellence transcends time. The company has cultivated a culture of rigorous standards, driven by the executive management’s commitment to achieving more than just the industry norm. This dedication not only elevates AMAC’s internal benchmarks but also raises industry-wide expectations, ensuring that quality and precision define every aspect of its offerings.

Gaining Expertise

AMAC Aerospace has extensive experience in Maintenance, Base, and Line MTX, covering a variety of aircraft families and their associated models. It also offers CAMO service activities, performs window repairs, and calibrates working tools. In addition, AMAC specialises in refurbishments and complete aircraft completions. Notably, it installs Self Defense Systems against ground-to-air missiles during flights under AMAC’s STC.

Furthermore, it is capable of installing a variety of SATCOM solutions and many more services.

Interestingly, AMAC’s client base includes operators of both aging aircraft and brand-new models. For example, some clients’ aircraft are over 20 years old, while others purchase new aircraft directly from OEMs.

AMAC places particular attention in addressing the nature of these older aircraft, and ensures that necessary actions are taken by adhering to specialised procedures and task cards that differ for older versus newer aircraft.

Each of AMAC’s locations offers distinct capabilities based on the business model tailored to that region. For example, its facility in Istanbul focuses exclusively on Pilatus and Dassault products. Meanwhile, the headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, holds the most extensive range of approvals, from midsize Gulfstreams and Bombardiers to wide-body platforms like the Airbus A330s, A340s, and Boeing B747-8Is.

AMAC Aerospace is addressing several critical challenges within the aviation industry, particularly in the realms of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as well as VIP completions and refurbishments. One of the primary issues they tackle is the need for high-quality, timely MRO services to minimise aircraft downtime and ensure operational efficiency. By expanding its MRO network, AMAC Aerospace aims to provide comprehensive maintenance solutions that can accommodate multiple aircraft simultaneously.

Additionally, it focuses on the customisation and refurbishment of aircraft interiors, catering to the specific needs of VIP and corporate clients. This addresses the industry’s demand for bespoke, luxurious cabin designs while maintaining stringent safety and regulatory standards. Through these efforts, AMAC Aerospace not only enhances the longevity and performance of aircraft but also elevates the overall passenger experience in the corporate aviation sector.

Winning Strategies

AMAC Aerospace is a pragmatic company which takes strategic steps to ensure that its business model remains healthy and where it can serve, from a point of demand.  Their chairman has a famous saying to his sons: “It’s easy to get to position one but maintaining position one will take even more care, effort, diligence and time than before you initially arrived, we always try hard to improve on our achievements”.

From this philosophy, AMAC prioritises maintaining strong client relationships, engaging in thorough discussions, and finding effective solutions to ensure aircraft are returned to service quickly and efficiently.

AMAC Aerospace began operations in Switzerland, followed by  expansions into Turkey, France, the UK, and most recently, its regional office was established in Saudi Arabia. While AMAC serves a global clientele, it is seeing significant growth in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

What sets AMAC apart from its competitors is its ability to secure hangar slots for various services and products. These slots act as bays where clients bring their aircraft to define the scope of a project. Once an offer is signed, the slot is reserved. With OEMs increasing aircraft production and a limited number of MRO providers available, the demand for these slots continues to grow.

As a complete professional organisation, AMAC fosters relationships with flight mechanics, flight crews, and maintenance teams to ensure their questions are answered and regular updates are provided. AMAC promotes client inclusion by involving them in daily troubleshooting meetings and maintaining an open-door policy to foster trust and transparency.

Future Course 

The future of AMAC Aerospace is an exciting and promising one, with new management changes taking place throughout 2024/25. AMAC is already actively participating in university and college career days, offering training across various departments. While not providing traditional apprenticeships under the Swiss higher education model, AMAC invites young people, including children of its workforce, for summer work experience opportunities.

Social inclusion is also a priority for AMAC, with company-wide events that bring employees together and foster a sense of community. Social dynamic is as important to the company as it is to other large organisations in the world.

Looking ahead, the company is already preparing for advancements in aviation technology, including new platforms being built with carbon fibre and composite materials, bigger and more efficient engines,  larger windows, and expanded cargo bay capacities, and more.

“We have to be aware of what new technologies are pushing the boundaries. We have to be on top of every notion of what can be expected from a client request, otherwise if we lose the capability to be able to serve, then we shall lose the maintenance of being a beacon for clients that require a trustworthy and reliable partner,” says Muhiddin.