The Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), Dubai’s dedicated aerospace platform aimed at enhancing the aviation sector, has entered into an agreement with International Energy Resources (IER) to establish a cutting-edge MRO and engine test cell facility at Dubai South. IER operates in two primary sectors: energy and gas turbine turnkey solutions, offering comprehensive engineering, production support, and maintenance management for both Light Industrial and Aero-Derivative gas turbine overhauls and repairs.
Advanced testing capabilities
Spanning 880,000 square feet, the new facility will provide a range of services, including the manufacturing of gas turbine engine components, engine repairs and overhauls, as well as performance testing. It will also feature a unique engine test cell capable of assessing both Aero Engines and Aero-Derivative Industrial Engines, with an initial testing capacity of up to 50 engines annually. The facility is projected to be completed in two phases, with targets set for Q4 2026 and Q3 2027.
Read more: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise acquires 23 aircraft for $1.1 billion
Enhancing Dubai’s global aviation status
Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, expressed excitement about formalizing the agreement with IER MRO Industries, indicating that it marks a significant step in their mission to enhance their portfolio with vital partners that will solidify Dubai’s status in the global aviation landscape. He emphasized that this new MRO facility underscores their commitment to meeting the industry’s evolving needs and fostering growth and innovation within the aerospace sector.
Strategic expansion
Larry J. Howie, chairman & CEO of IER MRO Industries DWC LLC, conveyed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting his delight in collaborating with Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub to expand their 22-year presence in Dubai through the development and launch of this advanced facility at Dubai South. He further highlighted that this collaboration would enhance their capabilities and enable them to provide top-tier maintenance and repair solutions that meet and exceed the highest quality and efficiency standards.
Contribution to the aviation ecosystem
Furthermore, MBRAH provides global aerospace entities with high-level connectivity and serves as a free-zone destination for leading airlines, private jet companies, MROs, and related industries. Developed within Dubai South, MBRAH also houses maintenance centers and training and education campuses, aiming to bolster engineering industries in support of the Emirate’s vision of becoming a premier aviation hub.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South is a dedicated aerospace platform aimed at advancing the industry. Strategically situated between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, it serves commercial aircraft and private jets, supporting everything from heavy maintenance to VIP travel.
Covering over 7 km², the MBR Aerospace Hub is shaping a brighter future for the regional and global aerospace industry. It offers a comprehensive ecosystem of airside and landside solutions, connecting multinational companies and SMEs with airlines and private jets. Moreover, with access to Emirates Sky Cargo, DNATA’s cargo terminal, and Jebel Ali seaport, it provides a convenient and efficient one-stop-shop for all aerospace needs.
The UAE has established itself as a significant player in the global aviation industry. The vision and strong backing from the nation’s wise leadership have been crucial in developing prominent aviation hubs worldwide.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South adds to these achievements and enhances the aviation and aerospace sectors. It embodies the strategic vision of making Dubai the aviation capital of the world and plays a vital role in the aerospace landscape. With this in mind, I am confident and optimistic about the future, as aviation continues to be a key driver of economic prosperity for both current and future generations.
New hangar
Additionally, in March 2024, the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub and Tim Aerospace commenced construction on a hangar at Dubai South. Designed to the maximum allowable dimensions, this facility will become one of the largest MRO hangars for wide-body aircraft in the GCC, accommodating up to five wide-body aircraft of any type, excluding the A-380.
Set for completion by 2025, the hangar will offer high-quality and cost-effective base maintenance services for a range of wide- and narrow-body commercial passenger and cargo aircraft.
Record private jet movements
The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub at Dubai South continues to achieve private jet movements, with a record 16,657 movements in 2023, a growth of 8 percent over 2022, marking the highest-ever movements achieved in Dubai.
The growth of movements is further attributed to several factors, including the hosting of the Dubai Airshow, COP28, and the soft opening of the new ExecuJet FBO and hangar. Moreover, the milestone reaffirms Al Maktoum International Airport’s position as the busiest airport for international business aviation movements in the Middle East.
2023 was also a successful year at MBRAH, witnessing several agreements with new partners seeking to set up their facilities across different zones to provide different MRO services, including manufacturing aircraft parts and structures, sealing and painting, AOG and aircraft parts supply, sourcing engine assets, and refurbishing private jet interiors.
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