Gallery: MRO News Roundup From Dubai Airshow 2023

Dubai-based airline Emirates confirmed plans to invest $950 million into building a new engineering facility at Dubai World Central which will offer a range of aftermarket services. These services will include airframe checks, light to heavy maintenance programs, engine repair and testing, aircraft painting, cabin interior modifications and aircraft conversions. The first phase of construction of the 10.8 million-ft.² hangar will begin next year and conclude in 2027. Emirates expects the facility to result in “thousands” of new technical roles. The MRO announcement coincided with the airline announcing orders for nearly 100 new Boeing aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.

Jordanian MRO provider Joramco announced several new agreements at the Dubai Airshow. First, it confirmed the extension of an existing contract with Bahrain-based airline Gulf Air. Over the next four years, Joramco will provide heavy maintenance for Gulf Air’s fleet from its facility in Amman. That same week, it also announced a base maintenance agreement with Emirates covering the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft fleet until the end of 2025. In the first of two material consignment contracts, Joramco agreed terms with U.S.-headquartered aircraft parts distributor Proponent aimed at increasing spares availability, reducing inventory costs and improving turnaround times. Finally, Joramco also signed a contract for UK-based Aerospheres to consign inventory to its operation. Aerospheres specializes in the distribution of chemicals, paints, adhesives, sealants, composites and general consumables to the aviation industry.

Lufthansa Technik (LHT) announced two major deals at the Dubai Airshow with Emirates and Saudia Technic, the MRO division of Saudi Group. The three-year Emirates agreement grows an existing collaboration between the airline and Lufthansa Technik Philippines for Airbus A380 C checks. A further 23 C checks will be added to the maintenance schedule for Emirates-operated A380s. LHT’s agreement with Saudia will run for 10 years and covers 53 A220 and 31 A330 aircraft operated by Saudia, with its technical division also having access to AOG support and to LHT’s global component pool. Both parties also announced plans to introduce a joint training program in January 2024 aimed at exploring mutual cooperation in areas such as MRO technician training and digitalization of processes.

Etihad Engineering unveiled plans to cut carbon emissions in its operation while confirming its intention to add more training capability at its Abu Dhabi main base. First, its sustainability announcement involved the signing of a contract with logistics giant DHL for its GoGreen Plus service, which aims to help companies reduce carbon emissions through the use of sustainable aviation fuels. Second, Etihad Engineering confirmed plans for a new 17,000 ft.² facility holding 17 classrooms and four rooms for remote learning. Once operational, Etihad says that it will deliver approximately 400 extra courses per year while training to 6,000 more trainees annually.

Advancing its repair capabilities for new-generation engine types, Sanad unveiled its Leap engine MRO center in Abu Dhabi. The company says the 54,000-ft.2 facility is the first in the Middle East region servicing the Leap 1A for Airbus A320neo aircraft and the -1B for Boeing 737 MAX. Its Leap engine center follows its signing of an 11-year partnership at the Paris Air Show last summer with the engine program’s OEM parents, GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. In another major announcement, Sanad announced a memorandum of understanding with Egyptair Maintenance & Engineering that will focus on enhanced MRO services and engine testing at facilities in Cairo and Abu Dhabi. Sanad will provide operational and engineering expertise while Egyptair M&E will provide workforce and technical capabilities from its Cairo-based MRO shop.

Luxembourg-headquartered Vallair has agreed to a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Development Center to develop the aerospace industry in the country and the wider Middle East region. Following the signing of the MOU at the Dubai Airshow, both parties confirmed they will collaborate on the development of narrowbody MRO, aircraft disassembly, component repair shops, aircraft painting and full training for all capabilities. 

OEMServices has signed an agreement with Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South to establish its new regional support center scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2024. Set up to support regional customers, the new center at MBRAH will store components for Airbus A320, A350 and A380 aircraft. In another Dubai Airshow agreement, OEMServices extended its deal with Emirates to provide component support for the airline's A380 fleet, including supply of spare parts, repair services and engineering support.

Boeing has agreed to work with Ethiopian Airlines to provide cabin modification services for the African carrier's fleet of 787 aircraft. The retrofits are part of a wider agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow in which Ethiopian placed orders with the airframe manufacturer for 11 new 787 and 20 737 MAX aircraft. The retrofits program will include installation of inflight entertainment along with new seats in all cabin classes.

Flag carrier Royal Jordanian Airlines will be covered by Pratt & Whitney aftermarket services coverage for the geared turbofan engines powering its newly ordered aircraft. The airline announced commitments for up to 20 Airbus A320neo aircraft and 10 Embraer E-Jet E2 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.