Supply chain forum boosts UAE aerospace industry

Leaders responsible for driving industrialisation in non-traditional aerospace economies are having the chance to highlight the impact of international joint ventures and industrialization of emerging economies. The concept of developing a globalized supply chain will be a key focus at the forum.

The forum is strategically positioned as organizations operating within the Abu Dhabi aerospace sector are becoming increasingly focused on attracting local and international suppliers to explore business opportunities within the emirate’s booming industries.

Today, a number of Abu Dhabi based companies have emerged to take place among the international supply chain community. The Al Ain-based aero-structures manufacturing facility, Strata, has become a global supplier for the Airbus A330 / A340 flap-track fairings and is producing critical parts such as the ailerons and spoilers for the Airbus aircrafts.

“The aerospace industry is acting as a catalyst for a new type of industrialization around the world,” said Badr Al-Olama, CEO of Strata. “We are demonstrating through various aerospace initiatives in Abu Dhabi that we have the potential to become a major player in this transition. .

“As part of the Abu Dhabi 2030 economic vision, more investments are going into manufacturing facilities, maintenance and overhaul facilities, satellite and space technologies and infrastructure. These investments are coupled with strategic partnerships with leading international organizations to help develop our local workforce,” added Al-Olama.

“Our long term success within the global aerospace manufacturing sector is highly dependent on a world-class integrated supply chain cycle, starting from research and development all the way to manufacturing. We believe that local and international suppliers can play a critical role in strengthening these capabilities through partnership,” concluded Al-Olama.

“As the demand for new aircraft continues to grow in the Middle East, aerospace companies such as AAR are seeking opportunities to support these expanding markets," said David Storch, CEO of AAR Corp., a global aerospace and defence contractor based in the U.S.

“In fact, we recently established a new Aviation Supply Chain hub in Brussels that is ideally positioned to serve not only Europe and Africa, but also the Middle East. Additionally, as part of our focus on this region, I am looking forward to participating in the Aerospace Supply Chain panel at the Summit this week.”