Cooperation between "Emirates Airlines" and"Safran" To manufacture and assemble aircraft seats in Dubai
Dubai, November 18 / WAM / Emirates Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding with Safran, one of the leading global companies specialized in manufacturing aircraft seats, to establish a seat manufacturing and assembly facility in Dubai.
In its first phase, this first-of-its-kind industrial cooperation will focus on manufacturing business and economy class seats as part of an aircraft cabin modernization project, with plans to expand in the future to include equipping new aircraft from the production line.
This advanced facility will provide dedicated production capacity to serve Emirates Airlines and other Safran customers.
This strategic direction aims to combine Safran’s advanced expertise with Emirates Airlines operations, as well as to serve other air carriers in the region and the world.
By establishing this additional industrial capacity, the facility will work to meet the growing demand for manufacturing aircraft seats, and enhance the efficiency of operations by employing the latest technologies approved in this field.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “This agreement with Safran constitutes a strategic step towards consolidating Dubai’s position as a global center for manufacturing aircraft components, as we work to introduce world-leading production capabilities into the heart of our system, provide quality, highly skilled jobs, and develop an industrial structure capable of supporting the needs of Emirates Airlines and providing seats for export to other air carriers. This partnership will also enhance our fleet modernization programs and support the development of aircraft cabin requirements in the long term.”
His Highness added: “Our goals include establishing a manufacturing system for the aviation industry that attracts suppliers, technology companies, and international talents, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which places diversifying the economy and enhancing Dubai’s position in strategic industries among its priorities. The UAE has established its position as a global power in the aviation sector, and today we move confidently to a new phase in which we build manufacturing capabilities that match this success.”
Oliver Andre, CEO of Safran, said: “This initiative represents an advanced step that reflects our joint commitment to operational excellence, and is also consistent with our industrial strategy, as we work to develop our business to ensure its ability to support the current and future increase in global demand. We will continue to contribute to shaping the future of the aviation industry through innovation, flexibility, and developing the next generation of aircraft seats.”
Safran is a key partner in the Emirates fleet modernization project, as it supplied premium class seats for the modernization program, in addition to the new generation seats for the Airbus A350 aircraft. The establishment of this facility is the first step in building a broader industrial system in Dubai in the field of manufacturing aviation components.
Safran aims to complete equipping the facility by the fourth quarter of 2027, adding an estimated industrial area of between 20,000 and 25,000 square metres.
The facility will be operated gradually through planned phases, starting with the capacity to assemble up to 1,000 business class seats annually in the first phase.
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