Dubai: Emirates and Safran Seats, a prominent aircraft seating manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a manufacturing and seat assembly facility in Dubai. This collaboration marks the first of its kind, focusing initially on Business and Economy Class seats for cabin retrofit projects, with future plans to expand to line fit.
According to Emirates News Agency, this new facility will provide capacity to serve both Emirates and other customers of Safran Seats. The strategic location aims to bring Safran Seats' expertise closer to Emirates' operations and other airlines. The facility will address the growing demand for aircraft seat manufacturing by incorporating efficiencies with the latest technology.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating that it positions Dubai as an aerospace manufacturing hub. The initiative is expected to create skilled jobs and develop capabilities to support Emirates, as well as produce seats for export. The partnership aligns with the D33 economic agenda, aiming to diversify the economy and strengthen Dubai's role in the aerospace industry.
Olivier Andri¨s, CEO of Safran, expressed appreciation for the partnership with Emirates, noting the project's alignment with Safran's industrial strategy and commitment to innovation. Safran has been integral to Emirates' fleet refurbishment by supplying premium seating for the airline's retrofit programme and new A350 fleet.
The facility, set to be completed by Q4 2027, will occupy approximately 20,000-25,000 square metres. The production will ramp up in phases, initially assembling up to 1,000 Business Class seats annually. This development is a step towards establishing a broader aerospace manufacturing cluster in Dubai.