Emirates inaugurates 21st century engineering centre

Amidst much fanfare and in the presence of over 300 government representatives, industry partners, air show participants and company employees, Emirates Airline inaugurated its state-of-the-art Engineering Centre.

The 21st century facility capable of accommodating maintenance requirements of current and next generation aircraft was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum on the fourth day of the Dubai Air show.

The Dhs 1.3 billion (US$ 353 million) facility constructed on a 55 hectare site on the north side of Dubai International Airport is one of the biggest and most advanced engineering facilities in the world.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "Congratulations to the entire team for establishing an engineering centre of excellence that is capable of supporting the heavy and light maintenance requirements of Emirates' burgeoning fleet as well as those of other airlines. Emirates has recently placed the airline world's single largest aircraft order worth US$ 35 billion in list prices. This calls heavily on the engineering team to ensure our existing and new fleet are well-maintained and in top-notch condition."

Adel Al Redha, Emirates' Executive Vice President Engineering and Operations added:

"Emirates is experiencing an unprecedented rate of growth, adding more than one new aircraft to its fleet every month. With high utilisation of our fleet, the engineering team has the challenge of supporting a busy operating schedule, whilst at all times ensuring high dispatch reliability and safe operations.

"Through the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our staff, I can proudly say that we have achieved the highest standards of engineering and maintenance practices."

The centre has eight hangars, each 110 by 105 metres; more than twice the size of a soccer field. One hangar is specially equipped for aircraft painting. The hangar's dimensions ensure that it can accommodate all types of wide-bodied passenger jets, including the Airbus A380, of which Emirates has 58 on firm order. The hangars are almost the same size as the A380 facilities specially constructed by Airbus in Toulouse to assemble the plane.

Each hangar has a mezzanine docking system for access to aircraft, while three hangars are equipped with full fuselage docking systems designed for heavy maintenance. Hangars also include roof-mounted cranes.

Support services such as air conditioning and electrical power are housed underground. When needed, consoles are raised from the floor. This avoids potential accidents caused by trailing wires across the hangar floor.

The hangar is built using light and translucent materials that improve the working environment. Outside the hangars, the Engineering Centre has nine dedicated aircraft parking bays with facilities for refuelling.

In addition to stores, workshops, an office block and multi-storey parking for 2000 cars, the new centre includes the Emirates Engineering Training School. Facilities for staff include a canteen, coffee shop, gymnasium and auditorium. Wireless communication is possible throughout the centre.

A two-kilometre service tunnel under ground provides fire-fighting water, electrical power and the communications network.

Emirates' uncompromising commitment to safety, quality and customer satisfaction is borne out by the department's list of approvals including the ISO 9002 and JAR 145 accreditation.