Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai, UAE – Emirates Airline has partnered with Safran Seats, a leading name in the aircraft seating industry, to sign a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a cutting-edge manufacturing and seat assembly plant in Dubai. This initiative is a first of its kind and cements Dubai's reputation as a pivotal center for advanced aerospace manufacturing.

Initially, the facility will focus on producing Business and Economy Class seats tailored for cabin retrofit projects, with future plans to include line-fit production. This plant will cater to both Emirates and Safran's international customers, creating a strategic edge by increasing the availability of advanced seating technology within Emirates' operational frameworks.

This project is designed to address the growing need for aircraft seating while incorporating cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity. The facility aims to span 20,000–25,000 square meters and will gradually increase output, starting with the assembly of up to 1,000 Business Class seats each year.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, commented:
"This collaboration with Safran marks a crucial advancement in our goal of establishing Dubai as a premier aerospace manufacturing hub. By localizing world-class seat production and supply chain capabilities, we will generate highly skilled jobs and improve our retrofit initiatives while exporting these products globally. This aligns with the D33 economic agenda, fortifying our strategic sectors and diversifying Dubai's economy. Our aviation sector is among the world's leaders, and it is now essential to develop manufacturing capabilities that reflect that achievement."

Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, remarked:
"We greatly appreciate our long-standing relationship with Emirates and their trust in embarking on this ambitious project. This partnership strengthens our mutual dedication to operational excellence and industrial innovation, enabling us to meet the increasing demands of the global aviation sector. Together, we are pioneering the future of aircraft seating through innovation and resilience."

Safran has played a vital role in Emirates' fleet update projects, providing high-quality seating for retrofit initiatives as well as the airline's A350 fleet. The establishment of this Dubai facility is the first step in forging a larger aerospace manufacturing cluster, attracting suppliers, technological innovators, and top talent to the area.

The partnership between Emirates and Safran is set to transform aviation manufacturing in Dubai, promoting operational excellence, creating skilled job opportunities, and spearheading innovation in aircraft interiors for many years ahead.

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