Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced a massive investment of $950 million to construct a state-of-the-art engineering facility at Dubai World Central (DWC).
Spanning 1 million square meters, this engineering complex will be the largest and most advanced of its kind operated by any airline, boosting Dubai’s aviation infrastructure.
Designed specifically to cater to the airline’s aircraft fleet and operational requirements until the 2040s, the facility will also serve as a center of excellence for commercial aviation engineering services in the Middle East, with potential capacity offered to other airline operators.
Emirates’ new engineering complex’s phase 1 construction to begin in 2024
“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,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said.
“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,” he added.
The airline’s new engineering facility will be equipped to handle a wide range of specialist aircraft engineering services, including routine aircraft checks, bespoke paint jobs, light to heavy maintenance programs, engine repair and testing, full cabin interior fit-outs, and aircraft conversions.
“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,” Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates Group Executive Vice President for Facilities, Projects Management & Group Procurement and Supply Chain said.
“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.”
During Phase 1, the project will deliver eight maintenance hangars, one paint hangar capable of handling any size of commercial aircraft up to Code F (A380), an engine run-up facility, approximately 20 support workshops, extensive storage facilities, and administration offices.
The existing Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International (DXB) will continue to support the airline’s operations, with the new complex at DWC initially handling overflow work and heavy maintenance programs requiring longer aircraft ground time.
ADP Ingénierie has been appointed as the project consultants for this ambitious venture.
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