Discussions are taking place between the Dutch company ECA and the Icelandic IAV Thjonusta, a subsidiary of the construction company Islenskir adalverktakar, on creating facilities at the Keflavik International Airport to store and service jets and helicopters, which NATO member states can rent for practice purposes.
According to Morgunbladid's sources, a special flight school and training center at Keflavik is also being discussed. A number of helicopters, military jets and light airplanes can be stored in the large hangar at the airport, along with aircraft used by non-member states, such as Russian military jets, and emergency airplanes and helicopters.
The intention is for NATO member states to use these aircraft for practices, which will take place elsewhere....
ECA has been looking for the right facilities for such services and Canada has been mentioned in that connection. However, Iceland is considered a better location in addition to Keflavik Airport having an abandoned military base. ECA has operated an international helicopter rental for the past years and has rented helicopters to NATO that have been used in Afghanistan. The company has also organized the training of military pilots from various countries.