Emirates has announced plans to build a new engineering facility at Dubai World Central, worth USD 950 million.
A Key Part Of Emirates’ Future
The new facility will span a staggering 1 million square metres. As a result, the complex will be the most significant and advanced offered by any airline.
Emirates therefore sees it as a crucial part of Dubai’s world-class aviation infrastructure.
The Emirates fleet into the 2040s will be supported by the operating requirements added to the facility.
Additionally, the facility will include spare capacity to allow other airline operators to utilise the offerings.
Ultimately, Emirates says that work on the first construction phase is slated to begin as early as 2024.
Current guidance says the first construction phase will conclude three years later, in 2027.
Emirates, however, is already analysing means to increase the facility. The airline said in its release that capacity could potentially double in Phase two.
This aligns with Emirates’ significant fleet growth plans, bolstered by an order for the 777X and 787 at the 2023 Dubai Airshow.
The Specifics Of Phase 1
Emirates says Phase 1 construction will deliver several new hangars and more.
Eight maintenance hangars will be available, along with a single paint hangar. Emirates will build these hangars to accommodate commercial aircraft up to the size of the Airbus A380.
Additionally, there’ll be an engine run-up facility, about 20 support workshops, large storage facilities, and several administrative offices.
The engineering centre at Dubai International is slated to continue operating, with the new DWC seeing work conducted.
Comments From Executives
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 centre 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.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group
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
Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates Group Executive Vice President – Facilities, Projects Management & Group Procurement & Supply Chain
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniel Fowkes is a Melbourne-based aviation analyst and journalist with over a decade of industry experience. As founder of Dj’s Aviation, he delivers trusted analysis on aircraft, airline strategy and global aviation trends for djsaviation.net
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