Emirates has unveiled plans to build a $950m engineering facility at Dubai World Central.

The 1,000,000sqm complex will support the airline’s aircraft fleet and operating requirements into the 2040s and be a centre of excellence for commercial aviation engineering services in the Middle East.

Commenting on the investment at the Dubai Airshow, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, 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 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.”

The new engineering facility will be equipped to handle routine aircraft checks to bespoke paint jobs, light to heavy maintenance programmes, engine repair and testing, to full cabin interior fit-outs and aircraft conversions.

Construction on Phase 1 of the project is expected to begin next year with completion in 2027. It will include eight maintenance hangars and one paint hangar, an engine run-up facility, 20 support workshops, storage facilities and administration offices.

Phase 2 could see a doubling of capacity in line with Emirates growth and operational requirements.

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