Dubai: Emirates Airlines and Safran Seats, a subsidiary of the globally known French-based Safran Group, have signed an MoU to build an aircraft manufacturing plant in Dubai. This project is a major achievement for the Middle East’s aviation industry. The region has never had an aviation manufacturing facility of this size for producing plane seats.
The first phase of this project will focus on making new Business Class and Economy Class seats for Emirates’ cabin upgrade programs. Safran’s manufacturing plant in Dubai is expected to be completed by Q4 in 2027 and will cover about 20,000 to 25,000 square meters. Based on the details shared by Emirates Airlines, once this facility starts operating, it will produce seats for both Emirates and Safran’s customers.
This deal supports Dubai’s goal to become a strong center for aviation manufacturing. It also aligns with the UAE’s vision to develop important industries locally and reduce reliance on imports. Apart from making seats, this facility in the future will also move into line-fit equipment for brand-new aircraft. However, the first stage will mainly focus on meeting the current demand for retrofit seats.
New Partnership Strengthens Dubai’s Aviation Industry Ambitions
The new aircraft seat manufacturing plant under the Emirates-Safran Deal aims to bring Safran’s technical skills closer to Emirates’ operations. This will help streamline the supply chain and cut down the time needed for deliveries and transport. This agreement is more than just a normal client-supplier deal.
This collaboration is also being seen as one of the best startup story developments within the region’s aviation manufacturing space, showcasing how strategic partnerships can accelerate industrial growth.
This partnership will make Dubai a key player in the global aerospace manufacturing industry. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Airlines & Group’s Chairman and Chief Executive, said that this partnership is an important step that will strengthen Dubai’s position as a growing aviation production center.
- He further added that this project will bring world-class seat manufacturing and supply chain capabilities directly into Dubai.
- This partnership will directly support Emirates’ cabin retrofit programme and also create new skilled jobs.
- With the Safran manufacturing plant in Dubai, the airline will improve and upgrade its production in the upcoming years.
- His Highness also highlighted that this project supports the Dubai D33 economic agenda, which aims to build strong and future-ready industries.
- He also said that their goal is to expand the aerospace manufacturing sector and attract more component suppliers, technology companies, and talented professionals from worldwide.
Safran’s CEO Highlights Partnership and Future Plans
Safran’s CEO, Olivier Andriès, said that the company deeply values its long-standing partnership with Emirates Airlines. He said that they are grateful for the trust the airline placed in this new project.
- He said the facility supports the company’s industrial plans and will help the company prepare for the growing global demand in the aviation market.
- He highlighted that Safran will continue building reliable and innovative aerospace products, as they are designing next-generation aircraft seats.
- In the first phase, the facility is expected to assemble up to 1,000 Business Class seats per year.
Safran is already a major partner in Emirates’ fleet upgrade projects. The company is supplying seats for the airline’s retrofit program and its new Airbus A350 aircraft. The Emirates-Safran partnership will bring advanced aviation production work to Dubai. This will support the region’s aerospace sector by building new skills and creating new jobs. This will help Dubai grow as a leader in modern aviation development, so in the future, the emirate can attract more partnerships.
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