Strategic Move to Boost UAE’s Position as a Premier Aviation and Aerospace Hub
ABU DHABI, March 4, 2025 – Airbus has announced plans to expand its footprint in the UAE by establishing comprehensive facilities for the manufacturing and maintenance of the A400M, a versatile multi-role military transport aircraft. This move aims to solidify the UAE’s growing reputation as a premier regional hub for aviation and aerospace excellence.
According to Gabriel Sémelas, President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East, this strategic initiative will foster deeper integration of UAE-based entities, such as Emirates Precision Industries (EPI) and Strata Manufacturing, into Airbus’s global aerospace supply chain. These partnerships will strengthen the UAE’s role in the development and production of cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
Expanding Aerospace Capabilities in the UAE
Airbus plans to set up state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities dedicated to the A400M, along with a specialised training centre. The MRO facilities will enhance the UAE’s capacity to service this advanced military transport aircraft, significantly improving operational efficiency and capabilities in the region.
Sémelas also emphasised the importance of fostering local talent, a key component of Airbus’s industry localisation strategy. “We are committed to providing targeted training and technical assistance programmes to the UAE workforce,” he said. “Our goal is to help cultivate a generation of skilled professionals who can contribute to the future of the aerospace industry both locally and globally.”
Building Skills for the Future
The initiative will create numerous job opportunities, with a focus on skills development that will empower the UAE’s aviation workforce. Airbus plans to implement a series of robust training and technical support initiatives, complemented by strategic research partnerships aimed at supporting the growth of future industries in the country. This collaboration is designed to ensure that the UAE remains at the forefront of innovation and technology in the aerospace sector.
The establishment of these aerospace facilities also aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in advanced industries, positioning the nation as a centre of excellence for aviation, defence, and aerospace technologies in the Middle East.
A Step Forward in Strengthening Global Aerospace Ties
As part of this ongoing collaboration, Airbus is also set to strengthen its strategic ties with the UAE Armed Forces, which are already equipped with several A400M aircraft. These new developments are expected to increase the operational capabilities of the UAE’s military airlift capacity while providing significant technological benefits for the country’s defense sector.
This landmark move underscores Airbus’s long-term commitment to the UAE and its dedication to fostering deeper collaborations in the Middle East and Africa. With its plans to localise manufacturing and enhance technical expertise, Airbus is not only investing in the UAE’s aerospace future but is also creating a lasting legacy that will benefit the region for years to come.
This strategic initiative marks another important milestone in the UAE’s continued efforts to diversify its economy and establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace industry.
