Emirates has announced an investment of US$950 million to construct a new state-of-the-art engineering facility at Dubai World Central (DWC).
Spanning across an impressive 1 million square meters, this engineering complex will be unrivaled in size and technology. It will be pivotal to Dubai’s aviation infrastructure.
Making Emirates Entirely Self-Sufficient on Maintenance
Commenting on the investment at the Dubai Airshow, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, of Emirates airline and Group, said: “This significant investment signals our confidence in the future growth of Emirates and the aviation sector. The new facility will enable Emirates to be entirely self-sufficient when it comes to maintenance, repairs, overhaul (MRO), and all engineering requirements for our aircraft fleet. It gives us operational stability and flexibility, and quality assurance. With the projected growth of the region’s aviation sector, Emirates’ new engineering facility will also play a key role as a center of excellence, attracting the involvement of global players across the aviation supply chain. It’ll create thousands of skilled technical jobs and add value to Dubai’s economy.”
Emirates Strengthens MRO Capabilities
Emirates will establish a state-of-the-art engineering facility capable of handling a wide range of specialized aircraft engineering services. These services will include everything from regular aircraft inspections to customized paint jobs and light and heavy maintenance programs. The facility will also offer engine repairs and testing, complete cabin interior fit-outs, and aircraft conversions.
Its design caters to the needs of Emirates’ aircraft fleet. This facility will continue to support its operations well into the 2040s. Additionally, it will serve as a center of excellence for commercial aviation engineering services in the Middle East. It may even provide spare capacity for other airline operators.
Emirates Expands Maintenance With Sustainability In Mind
Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates Group Executive Vice President of facilities, Projects Management & Group Procurement & Supply Chain, said: “Construction work on Phase 1 is expected to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2027. Provisions have been made for further expansion, potentially doubling the capacity in Phase 2, in line with Emirates’ fleet growth and operational requirements. The new Emirates Engineering complex will also incorporate sustainability into its design, including: the use of green build materials throughout the complex; the installation of solar panels on roofs across the entire campus; and the set-up of recycling systems for oils and wastewater.”
Phase I Includes Maintenance Hangars and Paint Hangar
Phase 1 of the project will include the construction of eight maintenance hangars and one paint hangar. These facilities will be capable of handling commercial aircraft of any size up to Code F (A380). Additionally, there will be an engine run-up facility, around 20 support workshops, extensive storage facilities, and administrative offices.
The Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International (DXB) will continue to support the airline’s operations. The new complex at DWC will initially handle spillover work and heavy maintenance programs that require longer aircraft ground time.
To ensure the success of this project, ADP Ingénierie will serve as the project consultant.