Dubai South sets new record for business aviation movements

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South continues its strong growth in private jet movements, recording a historic 17,891 movements in 2024—a 7 per cent increase over 2023—marking the highest-ever private jet activity in Dubai. In December alone, over 2,600 movements were recorded, reflecting a 51 per cent increase compared to December 2023.

This growth is driven by several factors, including Dubai’s status as a year-round global hub for exhibitions, leisure and entertainment events, business activities, and, most notably, tourism.

The emirate welcomed 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, further reinforcing its appeal.

In his comments, Tariq Bin Ghalaita, General Aviation Director at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, said: “This milestone reaffirms Al Maktoum International Airport’s status as the busiest airport for business aviation movements in the Middle East. We are delighted to witness continuous year-on-year growth in movements. 2024 was a successful year for us, as we signed multiple agreements with leading aviation players to establish their presence at the hub and inaugurated several new state-of-the-art facilities.”

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting our wise leadership’s vision of positioning Dubai as a global aviation capital.”

MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centres and training and education campuses.

Meanwhile Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), the aerospace platform of Dubai dedicated to the advancement of the aviation industry, has officially inaugurated a new state-of-the-art facility for Satys, the French group specialised in aircraft painting, sealing, and manufacturing interiors at Dubai South.

The opening ceremony was attended by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, Christophe Cador, CEO of Satys Group, as well as other senior officials.

The new facility will provide finishing and painting services for business aviation jets and commercial aircrafts, including the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737. The state-of-the-art hangar, is scheduled to be operational by Q2 2025.

In his comments, Tahnoon Saif, said: “The opening of Saty’s facility is an added-value to the services our partners provide at MBR Aerospace Hub and reflects our commitment to attracting leading global companies to the hub. At Dubai South, our mandate is to position Dubai as a global aviation leader, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. We are dedicated to supporting companies in establishing their presence and benefit from our integrated ecosystem.”

Christophe Cador, said: “We are excited to open our new hangar at Dubai South, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion. This state-of-the-art facility will enable us to deliver faster, high-quality services for both VIP and commercial aircrafts. Dubai’s strategic location is key to our growth in the Middle East and Asia, and we’re proud to be a trailblazer in bringing innovative aircraft painting solutions to the region.”

Founded in 1986 in Blagnac, France, under the name STTS, Satys operates in 12 countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, with a total of 50 sites worldwide. The group is renowned for its expertise in aircraft painting, sealing, and manufacturing interiors for both the aerospace and rail sectors. With a global workforce of over 2,500 employees, Satys continues to lead the industry, boasting numerous certifications and maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence.

MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, MROs, and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centers, training and education campuses. It seeks to strengthen engineering industries to foster the Emirate’s vision of becoming a leading aviation hub.

The UAE has earned a great reputation as one of the major driving forces in the global aviation industry. The vision and strong support extended by the country’s wise leadership has played the key role in the development of leading global aviation centers.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South, comes as an addition to the successes and contributes towards empowering the aviation and aerospace industry.

It represents a real translation of the strategic vision to make Dubai the aviation capital of the world and plays a great role in the aerospace industry.