Emirates has partnered with aircraft seating leader Safran Seats to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly facility in Dubai, marking a major step in the city’s aerospace ambitions.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, will initially focus on Business and Economy Class seats for cabin retrofit projects, with plans to expand to line-fit production.
The facility is designed to serve Emirates and other Safran customers, addressing rising global demand for aircraft seating while introducing advanced production technologies. The phased project will create approximately 20,000 to 25,000 square metres of industrial space, with the first phase capable of assembling up to 1,000 Business Class seats annually. The completion target is set for the fourth quarter of 2027.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, described the partnership as a strategic move that positions Dubai as a hub for aerospace manufacturing. He highlighted the creation of skilled jobs, support for Emirates’ retrofit programme, and the potential for seat production for export to other carriers. Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that the initiative aligns with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, enhancing the city’s industrial capabilities and diversifying the economy.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, underscored the company’s commitment to operational excellence and innovation. He noted the project strengthens the long-standing collaboration with Emirates and supports the scaling of Safran’s global aircraft seating production to meet future market needs.
Safran has previously supplied premium seats for Emirates’ fleet refurbishment programmes, including the A350 fleet. The new facility is seen as a foundational step toward establishing a broader aerospace manufacturing cluster in Dubai.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
