Emirates president says growing more confident in Boeing 777-9

Emirates Airline President Tim Clark said on Tuesday he was growing more confident in the development and certification schedule of the Boeing 777-9 and that he expected the 777X to receive Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) from the US Federal Aviation Administration around February 2024.

Clark was speaking to reporters at the Dubai Airshow, where on Monday Emirates placed an order for 90 more 777X jets.

 Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has  announced a massive $950 million investment to build a new ultra-modern engineering facility at Dubai World Central (DWC).

Spread over 1 million square metres, the engineering complex will be the largest and most advanced of its kind to be operated by any airline, adding a boost to Dubai’s world-class aviation infrastructure.

Purpose-built to support Emirates’ aircraft fleet and operating requirements into the 2040s, the facility will also be a centre of excellence for commercial aviation engineering services in the Middle East, with spare capacity potentially offered to other airline operators.

Commenting on the investment at the Dubai Airshow, 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.”

Emirates’ new engineering facility will be equipped to handle the full gamut of specialist aircraft engineering services - from 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.

Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates Group Executive Vice President - Facilities, Projects Management & Group Procurement & Supply Chain, said, “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.”

Phase 1 of the project will deliver 8 maintenance hangars and 1 paint hangar - all capable of handling any size of commercial aircraft up to Code F (A380), an engine run-up facility, some 20 support workshops, massive 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 spillover work and heavy maintenance programmes with longer aircraft ground time.

Airbus and Mubadala Investment Company have signed an agreement to provide internship opportunities for Emirati senior university students in engineering.

Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation from Mubadala, and Mikail Houari, President, Airbus, Africa and Middle East, signed the agreement at Dubai Airshow 2023.

Over the next three years, 12 Emirati engineering students will be hosted at the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, where they will perform their internship under the supervision of Airbus experts and specialists. Fatima Al Marzooqi, Director of Portfolio Emiratisation at Mubadala, said, “Mubadala is delighted to support this important initiative which will not only bolster our future-focused knowledge-based economy in the UAE but provide an exceptional opportunity for Emirati students.”

“We know that our most valuable asset is people and through this innovative partnership with Airbus we can help grow world-class talent. This leading internship is a significant milestone in our Emiratisation programme as we continue to support the UAE’s continued acceleration and transformation by fostering talent that can thrive in sectors vital for Abu Dhabi’s future growth and success.”

Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, commented, “For many decades, Airbus has worked closely with local and regional organisations to nurture, develop and inspire young talent. Ensuring youth have the right skills and knowledge supports the future growth and progress of the aviation and aerospace sectors.

The industry is vital for long-term economic diversification and sustainable development of the region. We are proud to have signed this new partnership with Mubadala, and we look forward to many years of collaboration to drive localisation of our global expertise and support Emiratisation efforts.”

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