Egyptian company Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has received a supplier certificate from Safran Aircraft Engines.

This certification, received during the Egypt International Airshow, followed the signing of a cooperation agreement in December 2023 for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the Larzac engine.

Safran, the French world leading aircraft engine manufacturer, has a base in Gloucester.

With this certification, AOI becomes a globally authorised and licensed company to support the engines of the Alpha Jet training and light attack aircraft. This activity will be carried out in a brand new engine shop located in Helwan (Egypt) employing 30 skilled workers.

Mokhtar Abdel Latif, chairman of the AOI, said: "It is a great pleasure to celebrate today the inauguration of the Larzac engine overhaul line accredited by Safran Aircraft Engines at the AOI engine factory as the sole international certified supplier.

"This milestone adds to the record of accomplishments of the Arab Organization for Industrialization, and we look forward to further enhancing cooperation with Safran to build a distinguished industrial base that benefits our customers.

Christophe Bruneau, vice president, military engines, Safran Aircraft Engines, said: "We are delighted to continue our cooperation with the Arab Organization for Industrialization as an official Safran Aircraft Engines approved MRO shop.

"We share a common commitment to excellence, and AOI's engine workshop meets our strict quality standards. This major step with the Egyptian Industry is calling for further collaboration in aerospace and defence."

Following successful audits carried out by Safran Aircraft Engines experts at AOI plant, the Egyptian industrial has been granted with the approved licensee certificate for 10 years to perform repair and overhaul operations for all the export customers of the Larzac engine.

This agreement covers all engine versions, representing a global fleet of up to 280 Larzac engines.