IDEX: What is Airbus’ strategy in the UAE?

Can you outline the new Airbus strategy with the UAE?

Our strategy reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening partnerships, fostering industrial capabilities, and supporting the nation’s vision to become a global hub for future industries.

We are dedicated to enhancing the UAE’s aerospace and defence sectors, aligned with the nation’s ambitious Operation 300bn strategy to boost industrial output and economic development, and we continue to make progress on this journey.

Airbus has been a significant contributor to the UAE aerospace industry for years, and we aim to expand beyond traditional supply chains to include local production and exports. For example, our agreement with EPI to manufacture cargo compartment removable tanks (CCRT) for the C295 represents this evolution.

Such partnerships advance specialised manufacturing capabilities in areas like complex aerostructures for military platforms, create new revenue streams for UAE companies, and generate highly-skilled jobs. This ensures the UAE’s growing integration into the global aerospace supply chain while fostering mutual growth for both Airbus and our local partners.

By working closely with key UAE players such as EDGE, EPI, Strata, and Tawazun, we align with the UAE’s goals to bolster local manufacturing capabilities and strengthen regional defence self-reliance.

Can you expand on the partnerships with the key UAE aerospace players?

In the UAE, we collaborate with Strata Manufacturing, fully-owned by Mubadala, and EPI, a key EDGE entity, either directly or through tier one suppliers, and these partnerships embody a shared ambition to advance aerospace and defence capabilities. Over the past 15 years, Strata has become an essential contributor to our global supply chain, delivering critical components for all our widebody aircraft.

Similarly, EPI plays a pivotal role, manufacturing critical airframe parts for the A320 and A330 platforms. Our recent partnership with EPI for C295 CCRTs marks a significant milestone, transitioning EPI into defence manufacturing and sub-assemblies, and aligns with Tawazun’s objectives and the UAE’s broader industrial strategy.

Looking ahead, we are proposing to manufacture significant work packages for the A400M in the UAE, should the aircraft be selected. EPI and Strata would be central to this ambitious programme, with plans to build an ecosystem around the A400M, including MRO and training centres, and these initiatives aim to further enhance regional aerospace capabilities.

How important is the UAE’s C295 project to Airbus?

In the defence sector, our military aircraft play a growing role across the region. The UAE operates a fleet of seven C295s, which have established themselves as the undisputed market leader in the medium tactical transport category.

The recent addition of the cargo compartment removable tank (CCRT) enhances the C295’s capabilities, enabling new missions such as aerial refuelling.

Please give us an update on the A330 MRTT and prospects for the A400M in the region?

The A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) is at the forefront of modern air-to-air refuelling technology. The UAE currently operates four A330 MRTTs, with the latest delivered at the end of last year, and a fifth on order. Globally recognised for its advanced air-to-air refuelling capabilities and its ability to meet a wide range of operational requirements, the A330 has become an integral part of the UAE’s fleet due to its proven reliability and versatility.

Airbus or its previous identities has been working in the UAE since the 1970s, can you tell us how the story started and where you are today?

Airbus’ journey in the UAE began in the 1970s, driven by a shared vision of fostering aerospace innovation and industrial growth. Over the decades, our presence has expanded across commercial aviation, defence, and space sectors.

Today, the UAE is a strategic partner and a regional hub for Airbus, with parts made in the UAE featuring in every Airbus aircraft, thanks to collaborations with entities such as EDGE, Strata, EPI, and Mubadala. Additionally, the UAE’s military fleets of A330 MRTTs and C295s reflect the trust placed in Airbus to deliver critical capabilities.