Establishment of Emirates & Safran Aircraft Seating Facility in Dubai

Dubai, UAE – A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Emirates Airline and Safran Seats, a renowned player in the aircraft seating industry, to establish a modern manufacturing and seat assembly facility in Dubai. This pioneering partnership emphasizes Dubai’s evolution as a key center for advanced aerospace manufacturing.

Initially, the facility will concentrate on producing Business and Economy Class seats for cabin retrofit projects, with plans to evolve into line-fit production later on. This new plant is designed to cater to both Emirates and Safran’s worldwide clientele, strategically positioning cutting-edge seating technology in close proximity to Emirates’ operations.

The project aims to address the growing need for aircraft seating, implementing advanced manufacturing techniques for improved efficiency. The facility is expected to span 20,000–25,000 square meters and will gradually increase production, starting with the assembly of up to 1,000 Business Class seats each year.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, remarked:
"This cooperation with Safran is a crucial move towards solidifying Dubai's status as a top aerospace manufacturing center. By bringing state-of-the-art seat production capabilities here, we will not only create valuable job opportunities but also strengthen our retrofit initiatives and boost exports. This effort is part of the D33 economic agenda, enhancing our strategic industries and diversifying Dubai's economic landscape. Our aviation sector is amongst the leading global performers, and it is essential that our manufacturing capabilities reflect this accomplishment."

Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, commented:
"We highly appreciate our longstanding collaboration with Emirates and are thankful for their confidence in this ambitious endeavor. This partnership underscores our collective pursuit of operational excellence and innovation in the industry, equipping us to adapt to the increasing global demands in aviation. Together, we are innovating the future of aircraft seating with resilience and creativity."

Safran has been instrumental in Emirates’ fleet refurbishment initiatives, providing high-quality seating for retrofit projects and the A350 fleet. This Dubai facility marks the first milestone in a larger vision of creating a comprehensive aerospace manufacturing landscape, attracting suppliers, tech firms, and exceptional talent to the area.

The collaboration between Emirates and Safran is set to transform aviation manufacturing in Dubai, promoting operational excellence, generating skilled jobs, and driving innovation in aircraft interiors for the foreseeable future.