Dubai to build huge facility for MRO firms

Dubai: Dubai will build the world's largest centre for private aviation operators and maintenance firms at Dubai World Central's Aviation City, officials said on Sunday.

A full 72 berths for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firms will be built in the Aviation City project, which has an overall cost of Dh5 billion.

"The MRO centre will be the world's biggest in land area earmarked for development, and will be able to handle all types of aircraft from light jets to super-jumbos such as the A380," said Khalifa Al Zafein, executive chairman of Dubai World Central.

Aviation City is one segment of the massive $33 billion, 140-square kilometres Dubai World Central aviation hub currently under construction.

Some 25 companies have already committed to setting up operations in Aviation City, according to Al Zafein. Aviation City will be spread over 6.7 kilometres. It will include a heliport for 17 helipads, and space for aviation colleges and training centres.