flydubai announces plans for $190 million MRO facility in south Dubai

flydubai announced today, at a press conference during the Dubai Airshow, its plans to build a $190 million MRO facility in southern Dubai by 2026.

The signing ceremony with the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Center (MBRAH) was attended by His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South; Tahnoon Saif, CEO of MBRAH; and Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai.

Construction of the new hangar and workshop will begin next year and is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2026.

Commenting on the new announcement, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, saying:

“I am proud to announce plans for flydubai’s state-of-the-art MRO facility in Dubai South. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to operational excellence, right here in the dynamic ecosystem of South Dubai. “This will give flydubai greater control over its maintenance requirements as it continues to grow its fleet and capabilities with a firm focus on the future.”

His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, CEO of Dubai Aviation City Cooperation and Dubai Southsaying:

“flydubai’s new facility in Dubai South reflects our commitment to enhancing the ecosystem that contributes to the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry. “This partnership reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub and reinforces our shared vision of providing world-class aviation services to our partners.”

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubaisaying:

“Dubai has become a thriving aviation hub fostering connectivity, innovation, growth and setting benchmarks for the global aviation industry. The spirit of Dubai is in our DNA and we are proud to announce today plans for our MRO facilities, which represent a new chapter in our journey. At flydubai, we continue to invest in our people and technologies and build strong foundations to enable further growth as part of our role in supporting Dubai’s aviation and economic vision.”

Mick Hills, COO of flydubaicommented:

“When operational in 2026, the MRO facility in Dubai South will bring us significant reductions in operating costs. Having our own MRO facilities in the country will ensure faster delivery of our fleet maintenance while meeting the highest quality standards. “This increased level of control will result in reduced downtime as maintenance tasks can be planned and executed efficiently, minimizing any disruption to our future flight schedules and improving overall operational reliability.”

flydubai has been further expanding its internal capabilities over the years and in 2022 received its CAR-145 base maintenance approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This has allowed the airline to perform C-checks and entry into service for its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft; providing the airline with greater operational and cost efficiency.

The airline has formed a team of 455 qualified engineers who work in line maintenance, technical services, materials and workshops and who are responsible for ensuring the airworthiness and safety of our growing fleet. More than 230 engineers will join flydubai’s growing workforce over the next 12 months. This ongoing recruitment drive will ensure the airline is well positioned for the opening of its MRO facilities by 2026.

flydubai It currently operates a young and efficient fleet of 80 Boeing 737 aircraft and will receive more than 150 additional aircraft by 2030.

MBRAH offers investment opportunities to global aerospace players and is a free zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, MRO and associated industries. Located and developed in Dubai South, MBRAH also houses maintenance centers and training and education campuses. It seeks to strengthen engineering industries to foster the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading aviation hub.

News source: Dubai Press Office