All Airbus aircraft equipped with components manufactured in UAE

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, said that Airbus 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 statements 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, highlighting its plans to double its industrial activities over the next decade.

Dumont emphasised 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 stressed 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. He explained that these efforts align with Airbus’ clear strategy focused 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 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 stated that Airbus is closely working on training and qualifying Emirati talents, providing a comprehensive work environment that supports skill development and enhances technical autonomy.

“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.

flydubai makes debut at Bahrain International Airshow: flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, announced its debut at the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2024, which commenced on Wednesday and will run until 15th November at the Sakhir Airbase in Manama.

Commenting on flydubai’s participation in the Airshow, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said, “The Bahrain International Airshow is an important event that highlights the advancements and innovations within the aviation industry in the region. We are excited to be here for the first time underscoring our commitment to the Bahraini market which we have been proudly serving since 2009.

“This Airshow represents an opportunity for us to showcase our newly retrofitted cabin interior and reflects our commitment to passenger comfort, integrating cutting-edge technology and design to elevate the flying experience.” The retrofit programme was launched earlier in 2024. The carrier has retrofitted 15 Boeing 737-800 aircraft this year and will complete the retrofit on two more aircraft before the end of the year.

The programme will continue into 2025, and the airline will complete the retrofit on up to 20 aircraft in its fleet, providing its passengers with a consistent and enhanced experience across its fleet.

Bahrain is an important market for flydubai, and the carrier operated more than 2,800 flights between January and October of this year. The carrier first started operating to the market in 2009 and has carried more than four million passengers between Dubai and Bahrain to date. The carrier currently operates 31 weekly flights between Dubai and Bahrain.

Boeing forecasts 4% annual growth in air cargo traffic: With a strong air cargo market exceeding pre-pandemic levels, Boeing forecasts continued long-term growth, saying air cargo traffic will increase by an average of 4% per year through 2043.

In a statement, the company said that the global air cargo fleet is forecast to rise to 3,900 airplanes by 2043, a two-thirds increase from 2,340 freighters in 2023. Driven by demand in high-growth Asian markets, the large widebody freighter fleet will nearly double.

WAM