flydubai declares plans for $190 million MRO facility in Dubai South

flydubai introduced on Wednesday, at a press convention held through the Dubai Airshow, its plans for a purpose-built $190 million MRO facility in Dubai South by 2026.

The development of the brand new hangar and workshop will start in 2024 and is anticipated to conclude by the final quarter of 2026.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, highlighted how the “milestone” brings the airline “greater control over its maintenance requirements as it continues to grow its fleet”.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, CEO of Dubai Aviation City Cooperation and Dubai South, mentioned flydubai’s new facility “reflects commitment to enhancing the ecosystem that contributes to the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry”.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, added how “Dubai has emerged as a thriving aviation hub that fosters connectivity, innovation, growth and setting benchmarks for the global aviation industry”.

“At flydubai, we continue to invest in our people and technologies and build solid foundations to enable further growth as part of our role in supporting Dubai’s economic and aviation vision.”

Mick Hills, Chief Operating Officer at flydubai, mentioned the power “will bring significant reductions in operational costs”.

“Having our own in-country MRO facility will ensure a quicker turnaround of our fleet maintenance while adhering to the highest quality standards. This increased level of control will result in reduced downtime as maintenance tasks can be efficiently planned and executed, minimising any disruption to our flight schedules in the future and enhancing overall operational reliability.”

flydubai has been additional increasing its in-house capabilities over time and in 2022 acquired its CAR-145 Base Maintenance Approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This has enabled the airline to carry out C Checks and Entry-into-Service for its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX plane; bringing the airline added operational and value efficiencies.

The provider has constructed a staff of 455 expert engineers working in Line Maintenance, Technical Services, Materials and Workshops who’re chargeable for making certain the airworthiness and security of our rising fleet. More than 230 engineers will be part of flydubai’s rising workforce over the following 12 months. This ongoing recruitment drive will make sure the airline is well-positioned for the opening of its MRO facility by 2026.

flydubai at the moment operates a younger and environment friendly fleet of 80 Boeing 737 plane and can take supply of greater than 150 extra plane by 2030.