Lockheed excited about UAE involvement

Lockheed Martin chief executive Marillyn Hewson had a big day at the Dubai show, officially opening the company’s new permanent chalet and visiting the stand of the company’s newly acquired Sikorsky helicopter unit.

“We’re very excited about this new state-of-the-art facility that is a demonstration of our longstanding partnership with UAE, and really view this as an opportunity to continue to build strong ties, not only with our great business friends here in the UAE, but also with other customers,” said Hewson during a speech to inaugurate the chalet.

She says the US defence firm has already entertained a number of customers and potential customers at the three-storey facility, which features meeting rooms, dining facilities, and a terrace to view the flying display.

She says Lockheed’s involvement in the UAE extends well beyond the air show, as the company has hundreds of employees in the country.

Last year the company opened its Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions, a venue for collaboration on defence, pilot training, space exploration, cyber-security and other areas. “We’re very excited about the opportunities we have at this facility.”

“It’s an exciting time for us," she adds. "We look forward to supporting the UAE at Expo 2020 which is coming up, and partnering with them. This is a great place for us to do business and work together.”

The UAE is a major customer of Lockheed Martin. Flightglobal’s Fleets Analyzer shows that the UAE air force operates 78 F-16 Block 60 aircraft, four C-130H tactical transports, and four L-100 commercial transports.