Emirates to build $950m engineering facility in Dubai

UAE carrier Emirates will invest $950 million to build a new engineering facility at Dubai World Central (DWC) to support the UAE’s aviation infrastructure.

Spread over one million square metres, the engineering complex will be the “largest and most advanced” one to be operated by any airline.

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“The new facility will enable Emirates to be entirely self-sufficient when it comes to maintenance, repairs, overhaul and all engineering requirements for our aircraft fleet,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates, said.

The new engineering facility will be equipped to handle the full gamut of specialist aircraft engineering services ranging from routine aircraft checks to paint jobs, light to heavy maintenance programmes, engine repair and testing, to entire cabin interior fit-outs and aircraft conversions.

Construction work on the first phase is expected to begin next year and complete in 2027, the airline said in a statement.

The first phase will deliver eight maintenance hangars and one paint hangar – all capable of handling any size of commercial aircraft up to Code F (A380), an engine run-up facility, 20 support workshops, storage facilities, and administration offices.

The facility’s capacity is likely to be doubled in the second phase.

The new complex will incorporate sustainability into its design, including using green build materials throughout the complex, installing solar panels on roofs and setting recycling systems for oils and wastewater.

The existing Emirates Engineering Centre at Dubai International will continue to support the airline’s operations, with the DWC complex initially handling spill over work and heavy maintenance programmes with longer aircraft ground time.

The new facility news comes as the Dubai flag carrier on Monday announced a $52 billion order with Boeing for 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 aircraft, as well as increasing its Dreamliner order from 30 to 35, made up of 15 787-10 aircraft and 20 787-8s.

Both announcements came as the Dubai Airshow takes place in the emirate this week.