Emirates airline has signed a Dh28 million ( $7.6 million) contract with a local firm Excel to develop an additional multi-aircraft docking system in their Dubai engineering facility.

The multi-aircraft docking facility is the latest component of Emirates’ commitment to industry-leading engineering technology and facilities, said a statement from the Dubai carrier.

This new operation, located in hangar E, will be in addition to the four docking systems already in place in four of Emirates eight hangars, said a statement from the Dubai carrier.

A steel specialist based in Ajman, Excel is being supported by Gunzburger Steigtechnik from its office in Germany. It has been working with Emirates for over 15 years.

According to emirates, the construction work will begin soon on the engine shop which complements the present test cell facility in Dubai.

The growth of the Emirates fleet and the subsequent number of operating engines have necessitated the need for an in-house engine shop in Dubai to provide the most cost-effective, efficient engine maintenance, it stated.
 
Emirates said it was due to its rapid expansion that the need for an additional docking system had become apparent.

In searching for the best partners to establish this new project, Emirates carefully evaluated potential partners and selected Excel and Gunzburger Steigtechnik; both based on their superior products and past commercial relationships with them, it stated.

As per the deal, Excel will supply the fuselage, tail and infill docks. Their steel components and close proximately to Dubai made them a clear choice.

Likewise, Gunzburger Steigtechnik, which will supply the aluminum modules for the wing dock and engine, has provided Emirates with under wing platforms for the paint hangar and are a trusted business partner, said the statement.
 
'The increase in the heavy maintenance plan of Emirates fleet necessitates the requirement to expand in our facility to meet our future maintenance capability requirement,' remarked Adel Al Redha, the executive vice-president of Emirates Engineering and Operations.

'Working with reliable, professional organizations in the UAE like Excel provides us the confidence required to support our need in the timeframe and standard required,' he pointed out.

“Likewise, as a partner of Excel and with a strong reputation for quality, Emirates chose Gunzburger Steigtechnik, adding to our already strong connections to the German market,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service