Today's Edition
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said that the European aerospace corporation has long been a key partner in supporting the UAE aviation sector, contributing to the localisation of aircraft parts manufacturing.
He noted: "This collaboration has allowed UAE-based companies to build manufacturing capabilities for components used in Airbus aircraft."
In a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the occasion of signing a new partnership agreement with EDGE Group to launch the production of a specialised fuel tank for the C295 transport aircraft, Dumont said that all Airbus aircraft currently produced are equipped with parts made in the UAE.
He outlined Airbus' future ambitions in the UAE, including its plans to double its industrial activities over the next decade.
Dumont said that Airbus views the UAE as a long-term strategic partner, with its efforts to localise aircraft parts manufacturing extending beyond production. "These initiatives also include building a base of local expertise that contributes to the overall development of the aviation sector, positioning the UAE as a key player on the international stage in this vital field."
He noted that the company's objective is not limited to meeting local market needs but aims to transform the UAE into a global hub for aircraft parts manufacturing, thereby opening up significant opportunities for Emirati industries in global markets.
Dumont said that Airbus is committed to a long-term vision based on strengthening strategic partnerships with local Emirati companies such as EDGE Group, EPI, and Strata.
Such is the rise of the UAE companies in the sector that one in every 10 wide-body aircraft globally incorporate components manufactured by Strata Manufacturing PJSC, which is owned by the Mubadala Investment Company. At Strata, 68% of the workforce are Emiratis, of whom 86% are female.
And local aerospace firm Sanad, also a subsidiary of Mubadala, earlier this year signed a partnership deal for the provision of maintenance, repair and operations services for engines powering Airbus single aisle aircraft such as the A320 and A321, and wide-body aircraft including the A330.
Dumont explained that Airbus' strategy focuses on transferring advanced technical knowledge and redirecting engineering expertise to local Emirati talent.
Dumont recalled that Airbus initiated this partnership with the UAE more than a decade ago, starting in 2010 when the first locally manufactured part was produced in collaboration with Strata.
He noted that the company is now witnessing a qualitative shift that reinforces Airbus' ambition to establish the UAE as a critical hub for aircraft parts production, not only to meet domestic demand but also for export.
He also highlighted the launch of the specialised fuel tank production for the C295 transport aircraft in cooperation with EPI, a subsidiary of EDGE Group, noting that the UAE has become the sole global supplier of these parts.
Dumont added that this partnership serves as a model in the aviation industry, enabling the UAE to achieve a high level of industrial independence and enhance its national production capacity.
He further underlined Arbus' commitment to developing Emirati talent.
"Airbus' commitment goes beyond training staff in production; the company also seeks to empower them to handle new designs and enhance industrial innovation at the local level," he concluded.
