Smith Myers partners with AWAS
The partnership will support the implementation of Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS mobile phone detection system in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Smith Myers has partnered with AgustaWestland Aviation Services (AWAS) to bring its ARTEMIS mobile phone detection, location, and communications system to operators in the MENA region.
AWAS – an Abu Dhabi-based joint venture between Leonardo and Abu Dhabi Aviation – will serve as a ‘one-stop shop’ for Leonardo helicopter users in the region looking to retrofit their aircraft with the ARTEMIS system.
Smith Myers stated that services offered by AWAS under the arrangement will include “procurement, integration, certification, commissioning, training and support”.
Andrew Munro, Managing Director of Smith Myers, said: “With over 200 Leonardo helicopters in service in the region and with AWAS involvement in comprehensive upgrade programs with major customers in the region, the partnership will provide Leonardo’s operators simplified access to this unique technology.”
A “significant market”
Munro also commented that Smith Myers sees the MENA region as a “significant market” for ARTEMIS systems.
Angelo Vincenzo Carlino, Managing Director of AWAS, added: “This partnership will build on the success of the UAE National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) program, where AWAS installed the ARTEMIS systems onto the existing fleet of NSRC AW139s.”
As well as the NSRC, ARTEMIS is used by a number of operators worldwide to support a range of emergency operations, including maritime and border control, aerial firefighting, and natural disaster response. The system was chosen by the UK government in February 2023 to support its UKSAR2G search and rescue program.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.