Dubai World Central (DWC) has announced that construction is underway at DWC’s Aviation District, a purpose-built area designed to meet the needs of aviation businesses.

The Aviation District, spread over 6.7 sq km within DWC, is being designed as a one-stop centre for all aviation-related operations and future regional headquarters for leading companies working in aviation industries.

The district is established to host all aviation manufacturing and associated industries, fixed base operators (FBOs) and maintenance, repair and operations (MROs), aviation support services, design and consultancy, research and development, aviation training, products and parts, light manufacturing units and high-technology industries.

Meanwhile, leasing negotiations have commenced with FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) and other aviation businesses.

DWC further revealed that Majestic Wings Private Airplane Charter is planning to move within 12 months, making it among the first high-profile aviation companies to set up operations, sustaining DWC’s strategy of expanding general aviation services as an important step in the long-term growth of the aviation industry. The company will occupy a 7,360-sq m plot in the development.

Majestic Wings, which is co-owned by Sheikh Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Nahyan, will develop a class ‘A’ hangar facility.

The company joins a growing list of companies that have been authorised to establish FBOs and provide high-end aviation services in DWC’s Aviation District. The landside and airside facilities of DWC’s Aviation District complement the requirements of aviation businesses such as Majestic Wings, providing a launch pad to capitalise on business prospects in the region’s promising general aviation sector, said the statement.

The class ‘A’ hangar is within walking distance of the newly announced permanent venue of the Dubai Airshow, starting 2013.

Leveraging the integrated master development concept of the Aviation District, Majestic Wings will have direct access to both Jebel Ali Port and the components of DWC including Logistics District and Al Maktoum International Airport. It will also have a dedicated apron measuring 4,738 sq m in front of the hangar facility, providing space for several aircraft and ensuring easy access for clients.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “Majestic Wings’ moving to DWC is among the first of many expansions in the aviation sector. DWC continues to energise the industry with opportunities for business growth. DWC is positioned to meet the present and future needs of aviation, air transport, commercial and logistics businesses, being the world’s first purpose built aerotropolis. Dubai World Central will continue to play an important role in the long-term strategic growth plans of the emirate as we aim to establish Dubai as a premier hub for the aviation and logistics industries in the Menasa region and around the world.”

Sheikh Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said: “Majestic Wings’ movement to the facility at DWC is in line with our strategic growth plans to position the company among leading global players in the general aviation industry. The landside and airside integration is in sync with facilitating our general aviation business. We aim to take advantage of the growing aviation sector in the region, and moving to DWC’s Aviation District is the logical step to achieve that.”

DWC further revealed that it will host the upcoming Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) exhibition, a forum for gathering, understanding and communicating the needs and benefits of business aviation within the Middle East to businesses, governments and media worldwide.

Dubai World Central and Majestic Wings had earlier signed a deal to set up the project's second FBO facility with an investment value of Dh200 million. Under the agreement, Majestic Wings will build its own facilities to offer a full range of FBO services with a focus on business jets.

The company will also own two Gulfstream G200 aircraft, which will be sub-leased to corporates for business trips, freight transport and special large group flights. – TradeArabia News Service