The Dubai Airshow has come to a close on Friday — ending with another round of agreements across the manufacturing and MRO sectors from the UAE’s aviation giants. Let’s dive in:

MANUFACTURING-

#1- Mubadala’s aerospace manufacturing unit Strata has locked in an agreement with Airbus to develop a wing component for A320 jet models, according to a statement released last week. The aerospace unit will manufacture the ailerons at its Al Ain-based facility with a localization rate of 50%, accounting for Emirati engineers and production technicians. Strata aims to meet nearly half of the European manufacturer’s demand for ailerons to produce its narrow-body A320 aircraft — which has a backlog of over 7k planes.

This has been cooking for a while: Strata disclosed on the second day of the Dubai Airshow that it was eyeing manufacturing aircraft-engine parts for the first time as the sector grapples with a global shortage. The firm was reportedly also setting its eyes on supplying carbon-fiber materials for Boeing’s 777X as well — though Strata is still in discussions with the US manufacturer.

ALSO FROM STRATA- The manufacturing unit, alongside Mubadala’s aerospace engineering and leasing arm Sanad, is partnering with UAE-based AI-driven manufacturing firm Sindan to explore integrating 3D printing, AI, and robotics into MRO operations and manufacturing in the aerospace sector, state news agency Wam reported on Thursday. The collaboration will see both Sanad and Strata use Sindan’s tech, including smart robotics to improve warehouse handling and operations, in their manufacturing activities.

#2- A new manufacturing unit lands at MBRAH: Dubai South’s Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) and Atherion Aerospace — a new aerospace manufacturing subsidiary of Economic Group Holdings (EGH) — signed an agreement to offer advanced aerospace manufacturing services and components from its base at MBRAH, according to a statement published on Friday.

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND OVERHAUL-

#1- Royal Jordanian taps Sanad for engine MRO: Abu Dhabi-based aerospace firm Sanad inked a three-year engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement with Jordan’s flagship airline, Royal Jordanian, according to a statement released on Friday. Under the comprehensive agreement, Sanad will offer MRO services for V2500 engines across the airline’s fleet.

#2-Tariq Al Futtaim Group to set up aviation hub in Dubai South: Dubai South’s MBRAH has partnered with Tariq Al Futtaim Group’s aviation investment arm, Jet Park Investment, to set up a new state-of-the-art aviation facility, according to a statement published on Thursday. The facility — spanning some 15k sqm — will feature a 10k sqm apron area and offer end-to-end ground logistics, parts handling, and light maintenance services. The investment figure and project timeline were not disclosed.

REMEMBER- Dubai’s aerospace platform MBRAH is investing AED 1.5 bn in infrastructure in 2025 and 2026 to meet rising demand, the hub’s CEO Tahnoon Saif said last year.

Making moves: MBRAH launched the first phase of its 1.29 mn sq ft Aerospace Supply Chain zone in April. A further expansion of the zone is being developed with over 1.72 mn sq ft of new facilities currently underway, scheduled for completion in 2Q 2026.

#3- Emirates + Rolls-Royce partner up on MRO: Dubai’s Emirates inked an MoU with engine provider Rolls-Royce to handle maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for the Trent 900 engines set to fuel its own Airbus A380 fleet from 2027, according to a statement. The airline aims to build a new facility dedicated to fan case repairs, and has extended its total care service agreement with Rolls-Royce for its A380 fleet into the 2040s.

REMEMBER- Emirates President Tim Clark has been vocal with his criticism of Airbus’ Rolls Royce engines, previously calling them “defective.” The engine manufacturer has reportedly invested big in improving the engines’ durability.

DATA POINT- Emirates is the world’s largest operator of Airbus’ A380 model — hosting some 116 of the double-decked widebodies in its fleet.

ICYMI- Emirates locked in a USD 3.4 bn order for eight Airbus A350-9 jets this week, with delivery scheduled for 2031.

CARGO-

Emirates SkyCargo + Lodd team up on drone-powered delivery: Emirates SkyCargo has signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi-based drone manufacturer Lodd Autonomous to validate the use of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft across the carrier’s global network until the end of 2027, according to a press release published last week. This will involve feasibility studies, regulatory coordination, and live demonstrations.

Watch the skies for Lodd flights: Lodd Autonomous is set to launch unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) parcel and cargo deliveries by 2H 2026 — with the first test flight scheduled in November.

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