Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has announced the signing of an agreement with Swiss-based rotary engine manufacturer Mistral Engines to expand its production and development capacity within the new aerospace cluster at Al Ain.

The agreement indicates Mistral’s commitment to flight test programmes within the new aerospace cluster at the second largest city in Abu Dhabi. The ceremonial signing took place in front of a number of dignitaries at the Paris Air Show, Le Bourget.

Earlier this week, Adac had announced a landmark agreement to develop a major aviation and aerospace centre at Al Ain International Airport in the Middle East.

The MoU between Adac and Mistral Engines establishes the framework to allow the two parties to explore opportunities for the development and production of Mistral’s products in Al Ain.

It is anticipated that this MOU will lead to the establishment of a research centre and production facility at the new Al Ain Aerospace Cluster.

Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, chairman of Adac, said: "Mistral Engines is a world-leader in rotary engine development and it is fitting that such a high quality and innovative company such as Mistral is one of the first to work with the Al Ain Aerospace Cluster."

"The signing of the MoU this morning demonstrates the tremendous strength of our collaboration and points to a very promising future," he added.

Philippe Durr, CEO of Mistral Engines said it was happy to explore with ADAC ways of expanding its business and activities in this strategic part of the world, within a cost-effective and high quality environment.

"With the imminent certification of our G-300 engine, the company is moving its emphasis from research & development into manufacturing, sales and support so the coherent benefits of the Al Ain Aerospace Cluster are very appealing to us."

"By including ADAC alongside our existing strategic partners, we are confident that Mistral’s products will achieve the success we anticipate."

Mistral Engines has developed a comprehensive range of multi-fuel, liquid-cooled, electronically controlled engines, ranging from 200 to 360 hp, normally aspirated and turbocharged, providing a 21st century propulsion system for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

The engines are based on the Wankel rotary technology, perfectly adapted for General Aviation and offering enhancements in reliability, longevity, compactness, power-to-weight ratio, multi-fuel capability and ease of maintenance.-TradeArabia News Service