Airbus strengthens UAE partnership, eyes expansion in aircraft parts manufacturing

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted Airbus’ longstanding role as a strategic partner in the UAE aviation sector, with the company now advancing plans to double its industrial activities in the UAE over the next decade. This expansion aims to position the UAE as a leading global hub for aircraft parts manufacturing, according to Dumont’s statements to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The announcement follows a new partnership between Airbus and EDGE Group to produce specialized fuel tanks for the C295 transport aircraft, adding to a growing list of UAE-produced parts that feature in all current Airbus aircraft.

Dumont emphasized that Airbus has contributed to the UAE’s industrial capabilities by helping local companies build expertise and capacity in manufacturing components for Airbus, which has enabled greater independence in the national production of aircraft parts.

Dumont also stressed that Airbus views the UAE as a long-term strategic partner, with efforts to localize aircraft parts extending well beyond production. He noted that Airbus is committed to developing local expertise, which will support the UAE’s emergence as a major player in the global aviation sector.

“Our vision is to see the UAE not just meeting its own needs but becoming a major export hub for aircraft components,” Dumont said. He also pointed out that this expansion opens significant international market opportunities for UAE-based manufacturers.

Local partnerships

Airbus has established partnerships with prominent local companies, including EDGE Group, EPI, and Strata.

These collaborations focus on transferring technical knowledge and engineering expertise to local Emirati talent, a relationship that began over a decade ago with Strata’s production of the first UAE-manufactured Airbus parts in 2010.

A recent milestone in the partnership is the UAE’s role as the exclusive global supplier of specialized fuel tanks for the C295, produced by EPI, a subsidiary of EDGE Group. Dumont described this achievement as a model for the aviation industry, showcasing the UAE’s capacity for industrial independence.

Airbus is also focused on training and developing Emirati talent, creating a comprehensive environment that supports skill-building and technical autonomy.

Dumont concluded by affirming Airbus’ commitment to empowering Emirati professionals to take on roles in production and design, thus enhancing local innovation and advancing the UAE’s aviation sector on the international stage.