UAE to build jets by 2018
UAE is likely to become the first destination in the Middle East to build indigenous jet aircraft
Dubai: Abu Dhabi is likely to become the first destination in the Middle East to build indigenous jet aircraft by 2018 if plans go ahead, an official said.
Mubadala Development Company, an Abu Dhabi Government undertaking, is developing capacity in that direction, according to Homaid Al Shemmari, Associate Director of Mubadala Aerospace. He told the media that Mubadala will build business jets in nine years — by 2018.
Mubadala, which is going to manufacture aircraft components in collaboration with Airbus and Finmeccanica, yesterday signed a wide-ranging Strategic Framework Agreement with the Boeing Company at the Dubai Air Show to develop composite manufacturing, engineering, research and development, commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul, military maintenance, pilot training and people development capabilities.
"The UAE is going to become part of a the global aviation supply chain through this agreement," James McNerney Jr, Boeing's chairman, president and chief executive officer, told a media briefing yesterday.
"We will now begin negotiations on the details of a possible joint venture that will help Abu Dhabi develop capacities to become a Tier 1 aircraft components supplier."
He said, Boeing has about 12 such global suppliers across the world that supply components to its aircraft.
Boeing roped in a consortium of Japanese and Italian suppliers in its B787 Dreamliner projects in which the two are supplying about 65-70 per cent of the fuselage.
Capacity building usually takes a decade for a component manufacturer to become a development partner. The UAE could become a similar partner, in future, McNerney said.
"In a decade, the company will become part of the composite suppliers for aircraft and possibly could become a development partner for future projects," McNerney said.
He said there will be joint investments in technology, infrastructure, composite manufacturing and pilot training. The facility could hold intellectual rights and produce Boeing's licenced components.
"This is a very good business deal and it has a strong political backing," McNerney said, adding that these facilities will become profit centres for both stakeholders.
Al Shemmari said, "Our strategy is to make Abu Dhabi a global aerospace hub based around manufacturing, MRO, education and training. Our partnership with Boeing is directly aligned to this strategy and will integrate with existing plans, enabling us to develop mutually beneficial opportunities for both parties."
