Airbus is looking forward to manufacturing parts for a large group of A400M aircraft in the UAE, said Gabriel Simellas, President of Airbus Africa and Middle East.
This step will contribute to the integration of UAE-based companies, such as EPI and Strata, into the global supply chain, he told WAM.
Airbus is developing plans to establish maintenance and overhaul centers for the A400M aircraft, which is a multi-role military transport aircraft, in addition to a training centre, which will contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional centre of excellence in the aviation sector, he added.
Simellas stressed Airbus’ commitment to developing local competencies, through training and technical assistance programs, in addition to research partnerships that support the development of future industries in the UAE.
He explained that providing job opportunities and developing skills are two main pillars of their strategy to localise the industry.
Airbus does not only provide products and services, but also contributes to supporting the UAE’s ambitious industrial strategy, such as the “300 Billion Project”, by investing in advanced manufacturing and developing national talent, which enhances the country’s position as a global hub for future industries, Simellas added.
He stressed the company’s commitment to expanding its cooperation with the UAE in the fields of aerospace and defence.
Simellas pointed out that Airbus has had a strong presence in the Middle East for more than 40 years, and has played an important role in developing the sector through strategic partnerships, including cooperation with EPI in the UAE, where the C295 aircraft’s capabilities were enhanced by adding an additional removable fuel tank, allowing it to carry out new missions, such as air-to-air refueling.
In the aircraft structure manufacturing sector, Strata, a subsidiary of Mubadala, has continued to supply Airbus with essential components for its wide-body aircraft, such as the A350, for more than 15 years, which enhances the UAE’s position as a leading global supplier in this field.
He also explained that EPI, an EDGE company, plays a vital role in manufacturing key components for the A320 and A330 aircraft, as the country gradually shifts towards defence manufacturing.
He considered this cooperation as evidence of the UAE’s growing role in Airbus’ global defence supply chain, in line with the objectives of the Tawazun Council and the UAE’s industrial strategy.