Overview
There are many opportunities for U.S. exporters in the aerospace and aviation sector in the UAE.
The civil aviation sector is a vital contributor to the UAE’s economy. In 2019, before the pandemic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimated that the aviation transport industry supported nearly 800,000 jobs and contributed $47.4 billion to the annual Gross Domestic Product ($19.3 billion from airlines and their supply chains and over $28 billion from the aviation-supported foreign tourism sector), roughly 13.3% of the UAE’s GDP. While the pandemic severely affected the aviation sector, it is rebounding and remains a key sector of the overall economy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted the UAE’s aviation sector and continues to have a significant impact on airline operations and profitability. Travel and tourism in the UAE took a big hit from the sudden drop in traffic and lockdowns across the world. Amid aggressive efforts to cut costs and stimulate demand, aviation leaders in the UAE predict a recovery in 2022-2023.
UAE government initiatives and investment in the aerospace industry have driven robust demand for business partnerships and helped the UAE outpace other regional markets. These initiatives include the offset program, industrial clusters, university programs, etc. Such initiatives boosted the signing of contracts for new manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) projects in the UAE in support of the country’s long-term strategy for transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
The UAE has four major passenger aviation carriers, including Dubai-based Emirates Airline (full-service carrier since 1985), Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways (full-service carrier since 2004), flydubai (low-cost carrier since 2009), and Sharjah-based Air Arabia (low-cost carrier since 2003). The UAE has seven international airports including Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s largest and busiest international airports, and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Abu Dhabi formed partnerships to create budget airlines such as Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.
The UAE government invested heavily in airport development and expansion projects such as $8.1 billion in Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, $7.6 billion for the Dubai International Airport Expansion Phase 4, $6.8 billion for Abu Dhabi Airport development and expansion plans, and around $400 million in Sharjah’s International Airport terminal expansion. Airports are under pressure to reduce costs and delay large capital expenditures, leading to cancellations and delays in new projects. Airports in the UAE continue to leverage new technologies to enhance the passenger experience and their role as a gateway.
In terms of aircraft fleets, Emirates Airlines operates 265 widebody aircraft - 153 Boeing 777 aircrafts, and 126 777X pending delivery, and 120 Airbus 380 aircraft. Etihad Airways operates 98 aircraft - 39 Boeing 787, 19 Boeing 777, 30 Airbus A320, 5 Airbus 350, and 5 Boeing 777 freighters. Air Arabia Airline operates 53 Airbus 320 aircraft and flydubai operates 64 Boeing 737 aircraft.
In Abu Dhabi, the two largest players in the aviation and defense sectors are the EDGE Group and Mubadala Investment Company. Over the past few years, these groups have formed partnerships with international companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Piaggio Aerospace, among others.
Mubadala Aerospace, owned by Mubadala Investment Company, overseesthe development of maintenance facilities for civilian and commercial aircraft, flight training, parts manufacturing, and research and development work. Mubadala and Boeing have signed four agreements in recent years for the supply of advanced composites.
Strata Manufacturing, located in Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, is owned by Mubadala Investment Company. Strata was formed to forge partnerships and incorporate leading-edge technology and best practice manufacturing. It has formed partnerships with major aircraft manufacturers such as EADS/Airbus (Tier 1 supplier), Finmeccanica/AleniaAeronautica, SABCA, and FACC. Strata is now a Tier 1 supplier to Boeing on major components used in empennage ribs for the Boeing 777, vertical fin ribs for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and composite empennage ribs for Boeing’s 777X aircraft.
Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park (http://www.nibrasalain.com/), created jointly by Mubadala Aerospace and Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC), is a mix of public and private investment projects created as a dedicated aerospace and aviation cluster. This aerospace park spans 25 square kilometers and consists of projects, businesses, offices, and mixed-use residential zones, the majority of which are allocated specifically to the aerospace industry.
Sanad Aerotech and Turbine Services & Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiaries of Mubadala Investment Company, provides engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and 787, Airbus A300, A320, A330, and other aircraft through technical support and partnershipwith OEMs including GE, Rolls Royce, Siemens, and IAE.
Global Aerospace Logistics LLC (GAL) is a subsidiary of the EDGE Group in Abu Dhabi. The company offers a range of aviation maintenance services for rotary-wing aircraft for integrated lifecycle solutions. Services include routine inspections, repairs, and aircraft system overhauling.
GAL Air Navigation Services (GANS) is certified by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the UAE’s national regulatory authority, as the only private Air Navigation Service provider in the country. The company has an ICAO and GCAA certified training facility where it provides extensive air traffic management training to local and international customers.
In Dubai, the Emirates Engine Maintenance Center (EMEC) is the leading service provider for aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The company has been working closely with Engine Alliance (EA), GE Aviation, and Rolls-Royce to develop technology for engine maintenance.
Dubai National Air Travel Agency (DNATA) the ground handling and cargo services arm of the Emirates Group, has partnered with Global Jet Technic to provide line maintenance services at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports.
GE Aviation has operated its support center with Emirates Engineering since 2013. The company recently opened its own support center in Dubai South to provide maintenance and repair solutions for all GE and CFM engines on the Emirates fleet and other UAE carriers such as flydubai, Etihad Airways, and Air Arabia.
Engine Maintenance Centre | Emirates Engineering partnered with Engine Alliance (EA), a GE/P&W group, for repair and service of 90 GP7200 Airbus A380 engines on aircraft operated by Emirates. Rolls-Royce provided Trent 900 engines to Emirates Engineering to help with hands-on training before installation, including fan blade installation and component removal, etc.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Airport Services and Equipment
The UAE has major international airports in Dubai Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, as well as other airports. A variety of airport equipment and services are in demand as the UAE aims to keep airports at the forefront of technology.
Ground Services – Ground Handling, Catering, and Fixed Based Operations (FBO)
Local airport authorities have partnered with companies to bring in the latest technological innovations for passenger attraction and satisfaction including duty free services, hospitality, ground handling, catering, and FBO. New catering and FBO facilities will need to be developed to further expand ground handling and catering.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
The UAE aims to establish itself as a hub for MRO. With 46 GCAA-registered MRO companies in the UAE, the country possesses excellent capability in aircraft MRO despite the challenging sandy, hot, and dry conditions. Eleven companies are working in Dubai in aircraft maintenance and repair and two in simulation manufacturing.
Infrastructure Development and Aircraft Hangar Services
UAE airports are planning investments in infrastructure to accommodate increased fleets and airport expansion to grow capacity, and there is expected to be increased demand for airport hangar services as well as airport infrastructure development services.
Training and Development
The Middle East region is short of skilled manpower. To keep up with the growing need across the aviation system value chain for pilots, crew, technical, mechanical, and operational manpower, there is a need for both academic and practical training centers and flight simulators. Based on current orders, it is estimated that the UAE alone would require around 22,000 pilots and crewmembers by 2033.
3-D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
The UAE 3D printing market size has grown and this is an area of opportunity given the UAE’s commitment to expanding local manufacturing.
Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Dubai’s introduction of the ‘Sky Dome’ initiative in 2020 aims to develop an integrated system for drone transport services, airfreight, and logistics services by positioning Dubai as a center for the manufacturing of drones and smart transportation.
Trade Shows and Exhibitions
November 12-16, 2023
Al Maktoum International Airport DWC, Dubai Airshow Site, Dubai, UAE
Global Aerospace Summit
May 2024
Abu Dhabi, UAE
May 9-11, 2023
DICEC Dubai, UAE
MRO Middle East
March 1- 2, 2023
Dubai, UAE
Abu Dhabi Air Expo
November 1-3, 2022
Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE
FAQs
What are the 3 major players in airline industry? ›
As of 2022, Delta Air Lines is the largest by revenue, assets value and market capitalization, China Southern Air Holding by passengers carried and revenue passenger mile, American Airlines Group by fleet size and number of employees, FedEx Express by freight tonne-kilometers, Ryanair by number of routes, Turkish ...
How many aircraft carriers does UAE have? ›The UAE has four major passenger aviation carriers, including Dubai-based Emirates Airline (full-service carrier since 1985), Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways (full-service carrier since 2004), flydubai (low-cost carrier since 2009), and Sharjah-based Air Arabia (low-cost carrier since 2003).
What is United Arab Emirates best known for? ›The United Arab Emirates is known for the tallest human-made structure, the Burj Khalifa, and the Burj Al Arab, one of the tallest hotel building in the world. The UAE is famous for several artificial islands like the Palm Jumeirah island, the World, and The Universe archipelagos.
Which airlines are owned by UAE? ›Emirates (Arabic: طَيَران الإمارات DMG: Ṭayarān Al-Imārāt) is one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (the other being Etihad). Based in Garhoud, Dubai, the airline is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the government of Dubai's Investment Corporation of Dubai.
Which country is leading in aviation? ›The United Arab Emirates tops the indicators of the most powerful military force, according to the Global Fire Power index for the year 2022.
What rank is UAE in military? ›The United Kingdom, India and China each operate two aircraft carriers. France and Russia each operate a single aircraft carrier with a capacity of 30 to 60 fighters. Italy operates two light V/STOL carriers and Spain operates one V/STOL aircraft-carrying assault ship.
Is UAE a powerful country? ›The UAE is number 10 in the list of the Top 10 most powerful nations in the world. The UAE is the sole new addition to the list, with a GDP of $421 billion, while the majority of nations have just changed positions.
Why is UAE a successful country? ›
The UAE continues to be a strategic hub, with business-friendly free zones and a quickly growing economy. The UAE GDP for 2020 was $359 billion. This reflects the rich natural resources in the UAE, which has 10 percent of the total world supply of oil reserves and the world's fifth largest natural gas reserves.
Why is UAE rich country? ›The UAE is the third-richest country in the world, below Luxembourg at number two and Qatar at number one, with a GDP per capita of $57,744. The bulk of its money comes from the production of goods and provision of services related to petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminium and cement.
What country owns UAE? ›...
United Arab Emirates.
| United Arab Emirates الإمارات العربية المتحدة (Arabic) al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah | |
|---|---|
| • Fujairah | 1879 |
The 7 Star Airline - Emirates.
Why is Emirates a 4 star airline? ›Emirates is Certified as a 4-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. Product rating includes seats, amenities, food & beverages, IFE, cleanliness etc, and service rating is for both cabin staff and ground staff.
Which city is best for aviation? ›- Phoenix, AZ. This is certainly a city of transplants. ...
- Chicago, IL. Chicago is one of the best cities for professionals, as it's a city with opportunities and a steady job market. ...
- Denver, CO. You'll enjoy the view and atmosphere in Denver, CO. ...
- Los Angeles, CA. ...
- Seattle, WA. ...
- Houston, TX.
The demand for pilots will be at an all-time high over the next 20 years, according to some industry experts. Most of the expected pilot shortage will be experienced in China and India, with a smaller demand felt in the United States and Middle East.
Which is the best place to study aviation in the world? ›Some of the best flight schools in the world are as follows: CAE Oxford Aviation Academy. CTC Wings (Europe) Flight Safety Academy (USA)
What is a 5 star airline? ›A five-star airline is one that delivers the highest level of service and the best in-flight experience. One of the companies that rates airlines is the UK-based research company, Skytrax, which has been awarding individual airlines with between one and five stars.
What is a 7 star airline? ›“These are airlines that are clearly standouts in the world of aviation and have dedicated years of effort to achieve these high standards,” said Mr Thomas. “They are at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence and are always on the winner's podium collecting awards for their efforts.”
Why Emirates is the best airline? ›
Emirates has always been known as one of the world's best carriers and has won buckets of awards. Most passengers say it is a lot to do with the fantastic service from economy to first-class, the larger and more modern in-flight entertainment, and the better-than-average plane food.
Did UAE fight any war? ›The UAE Armed Forces were deployed in the Gulf War, Kosovo War, United Nations Operation in Somalia II, War in Afghanistan, enforcing UNSC Resolution 1973 in the 2011 Libyan Civil War, 2014 military intervention against ISIS in Syria, and the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.
Do UAE have nuclear weapons? ›The United Arab Emirates does not have nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons programs, but does possess ballistic and cruise missiles.
Who protects UAE? ›The air defense has a Hawk missile program for which the United States has been training. UAE has taken delivery of two of five Triad I-Hawk batteries. United Arab Emirates Air Defence Force is responsible for civil defense aircraft and protecting the country's airspace.
What is the strongest Arab country? ›| N | Country | Military Manpower Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 01. | Egypt | 20,772,105 |
| 02. | Algeria | 20,400,000 |
| 03. | Jordan | 2,920,637 |
| 04. | Comoros | 139,491 |
'Israel is the strongest country in the Middle East; we have an answer for everything'
How many carriers does NATO have? ›NATO navies are holding manoeuvres in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea throughout November, bringing together five aircraft carriers, numerous warships and thousands of sailors. Carrier activities will include anti-submarine and air warfare drills, deck-to-deck aircraft transfers and at-sea resupplying.
Why doesn't Japan have aircraft carriers? ›Japan's pacifist constitution meant its naval forces have relied on ships carrying helicopters for self-defense, not fighter jets -- and it avoided using the term aircraft carrier -- since the end of World War II.
What is the longest carrier in the world? ›At 1,123 feet (342 m), she is the longest naval vessel ever built. Enterprise is the only ship of a class that was originally planned to have five other ships. Her 93,284-long-ton (94,781 t) displacement ranks her class as the third-heaviest carrier class, after the Nimitz class and the Gerald R. Ford class.
What is UAE ranked in the world? ›Insead survey ranks the Emirates 25th out of 133 countries and second best in the Middle East.
Why is Dubai not the richest country? ›
Dubai is not a country, it is a city in a country called the UAE or United Arab Emirates. The UAE, sometimes abbreviated to “The Emirates” is a very small country and has borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. Dubai is also an Emirate, it is one of seven Emirates that make up the UAE.
Where does Dubai rank in the world? ›Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked as the world's second and ninth-best cities respectively for expatriates to live and work, according to a global ranking released on Tuesday.
What makes UAE better than other countries? ›UAE is best known for its diversity and dynamicity, highly-developed infrastructure, the vibrancy of cultures and religions, high-quality medical facilities, and rich lifestyle. It is an economic hub of the Middle East, also known as a business-friendly country in this region.
How is UAE becoming the hub of the world? ›Dubai has emerged as the preferred global hub for technology and innovation, with many companies establishing offices here to gain access to the Middle East region. Since its inception in 2000, the goal of Dubai Internet City has been to become a preferred hub for global startups and new economy companies.
Why is UAE one of the safest country? ›UAE is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists. Its stricter laws mean crime is kept to a minimum. As a result, many tourists feel that UAE is much safer than elsewhere. The crime rate in UAE is much lower than in comparable countries in other parts of the world.
Which country is no 1 rich country? ›The United States tops the list of countries with the largest number of billionaires. Forbes estimates that 735 of the world's 2,578 billionaires are American citizens.
Is there poverty in Dubai? ›The poverty rate in the UAE is 19.5 percent, juxtaposing the stereotypes that many associate with the UAE. The poverty line in the UAE is defined as an income of 80 dirham ($22) a day. The UAE is mostly populated by immigrants from South Asia, Egypt and Morocco. Expatriates make up 88 percent of the UAE's population.
What's the average salary in Dubai? ›...
| City | Average Salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 21,000 AED |
| Sharjah | 20,400 AED |
| Al Ain | 19,800 AED |
| Ajman | 19,300 AED |
Dubai has a combined wealth of $312bn and is the top city in Africa and the Middle East and the fourth largest wealth center worldwide. The city lives up to its prosperous reputation and provides everything you need to succeed, including the capital, market, world-class infrastructure, and a secure environment.
What was UAE originally called? ›In 1892, the sheikhdoms of the UAE, which were known at the time as “the Trucial States”, joined together to sign a treaty with Great Britain.
What are the 7 countries of UAE? ›
In December 1971, the UAE became a federation of six emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah, while the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation in 1972. The capital city is Abu Dhabi, located in the largest and wealthiest of the seven emirates.
How much does a Emirates pilot earn a year? ›| Primary | AED 47,500 (~USD 12,932) |
|---|---|
| Secondary | AED 72,500 (~USD 19,738) |
The 3-Star Airline Rating is awarded to airlines delivering a fair Quality performance equating to an industry “average” of acceptable product and service standards. This global 3-Star airline rating signifies a satisfactory Product quality across different travel cabins.
How much do Emirates 777 pilots make? ›...
So, exactly how much can I earn as an Emirates pilot?
| First Officer | Captain |
|---|---|
| Average: $6,373/month | Average: $9,098/month |
| Top: $6,761/month | Top: $10,548/month |
World's best airlines 2022: Qatar Airways wins ahead of Singapore Airlines and Emirates.
Do Emirates serve alcohol? ›Enjoy over 20 spirits on board in First Class and Business Class. Choose from your favourite premium brands including classics like Cointreau, Tesseron Cognac and Amarula Fruit Cream and even some exclusive to Emirates flights. And you can choose from our selection of popular spirits in Economy Class.
Is Emirates the safest airline? ›What is this? In a ranking by the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Center (JACDEC), Emirates was named the world's safest airline in the world. The carrier ranked first among 25 global airlines, with a risk index of 95.05%.
What are the key players in the airline industry? ›Biggest companies in the Global Airlines industry
IBIS World covers 4 companies in the Global Airlines industry, including American Airlines Group Inc., Delta Air Lines Inc., United Airlines Holdings Inc. and Lufthansa Group.
It is customary to classify the several components of an airport in three major catego- ries: airside facilities; landside facilities; and the terminal building, which serves as the interchange between the two' (see fig.
Who were the 3 pioneers of aviation? ›- Jacques Alexandre César Charles. ...
- Madeleine-Sophie Blanchard. ...
- Wilbur and Orville Wright. ...
- Bessie Coleman. ...
- Charles Lindbergh. ...
- Frank Whittle. ...
- Amelia Earhart.
Who the key players are in aviation industry? ›
- The Boeing Company.
- Airbus SE.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation.
- Textron Inc.
- Embraer S.A.
However, there are a few different sectors of aviation, with three being the main pillars that uphold the aviation industry as a whole: commercial, general, and military aviation.
Is aviation is a good career? ›Career in aviation is one of the most fascinating and well-paid industries in the world. For young people who wish to tour the world, the aviation industry always offers the applicant a highly interesting lifestyle.
What are airline workers called? ›A flight attendant, also known as steward/stewardess or air host/air hostess, is a member of the aircrew aboard commercial flights, many business jets and some government aircraft.
What are the 4 sources of flight? ›The four forces are lift, thrust, drag, and weight. As a Frisbee flies through the air, lift holds it up. You gave the Frisbee thrust with your arm. Drag from the air made the Frisbee slow down.
What are the 4 classifications of airports? ›Five roles are utilized: National, Regional, Local, Basic, and Unclassified.
What was the first airport? ›College Park Airport (KCGS), in the city of College Park, Maryland, US, is the world's oldest airport in operation, established in 1909 when Wilbur Wright arrived at the field to train two military officers in the US Army.
Who is the mother of aviation? ›...
| Susan Catherine Koerner Wright | |
|---|---|
| Died | July 4, 1889 (aged 58) Dayton, Ohio |
| Resting place | Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio |
Sir George Cayley
In 1799, the man known as the “Father of Aviation” drew up the earliest known plans for an aircraft that used a fixed-wing design with separate mechanisms for lift and thrust.
On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made four brief flights at Kitty Hawk with their first powered aircraft. The Wright brothers had invented the first successful airplane. The Wrights used this stopwatch to time the Kitty Hawk flights.
What are 3 careers in aviation? ›
- Pilot, co-pilot.
- Air Traffic Controller.
- Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic.
- Airport Manager.
- Transportation Security Screener.
- Airfield Operations Specialist.
- Aeronautical Engineer.
- Flight instructor.
- Terminal manager.
- Aerospace technician.
- Aircraft mechanic.
- Pilot.
- Test engineer.
- Airport executive.
- Aeronautical engineer.
Aeronautics is the study of the science of flight. Aeronautics is the method of designing an airplane or other flying machine. There are four basic areas that aeronautical engineers must understand in order to be able to design planes.