Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, announced at the Dubai Airshow a substantial US$950 million investment to construct a new, state-of-the-art engineering facility at Dubai World Central (DWC). This massive complex, spread over 1 million square meters, is set to be the largest and most advanced facility operated by any airline, significantly boosting Dubai’s aviation infrastructure.
The facility is designed to support Emirates’ fleet and operating requirements well into the 2040s and will also serve as a center of excellence for commercial aviation engineering services in the Middle East. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, highlighted this investment as a signal of confidence in the future growth of Emirates and the aviation sector.
The facility will enable Emirates to be entirely self-sufficient for maintenance, repairs, overhaul (MRO), and all engineering requirements, adding thousands of skilled technical jobs and value to Dubai’s economy. Phase 1 of the project, commencing in 2024 and expected to complete by 2027, includes 8 maintenance hangars, 1 paint hangar, and various support facilities, with provisions for further expansion in Phase 2.
In a parallel development, Flydubai, another major UAE carrier, is following Emirates’ footsteps by establishing its own MRO facility in the Dubai South area. The agreement with Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub aims to develop this $190 million center by 2026. This initiative will significantly bolster Flydubai’s maintenance capabilities as it expands its fleet, which currently includes 80 Boeing 737s, and plans for 150 additional aircraft by the end of the decade. The MRO facility will support Flydubai’s in-house capabilities and represents a strategic move towards greater control over its maintenance requirements.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chair of Flydubai, emphasized that this development reaffirms their commitment to operational excellence. Flydubai’s chief executive, Ghaith Al Ghaith, regards the MRO center as a new chapter in the airline’s journey, enhancing operational reliability and reducing costs. The company is also boosting its workforce, planning to recruit some 230 engineers over the next year in preparation for the MRO center’s opening.
Both Emirates and Flydubai’s investments in these state-of-the-art MRO facilities near Al Maktoum airport are a testament to the UAE’s commitment to advancing its aviation sector and enhancing its position as a global aviation hub. These facilities not only represent significant advancements in the airlines’ operational capabilities but also contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the aviation industry in the region.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, emirates.com, timesaerospace.aero
