Gabriel Sémelas, President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East (MEA), affirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing the industrial ecosystem in the UAE, particularly in the production of complex aerostructures.
In statements to Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates forum, Sémelas said Airbus is prepared to localise part of the production of the A400M aircraft in the UAE and support the training capabilities related to it.
He noted that Airbus’ participation in the event is especially significant as it marks the company’s first time taking part, presenting an opportunity to showcase the depth of its industrial partnership with the UAE.
He expressed pride in displaying a major component of the A350 aircraft – an internal part of the wing – manufactured locally in the UAE through Airbus’ long-standing partnership with Strata. This collaboration began 17 years ago, and since then, every A350 aircraft leaving the global production line has included components made in the UAE.
Sémelas added that the relationship between Airbus and the UAE extends beyond manufacturing, encompassing commercial aircraft, helicopters, and defence. The company has had a presence in the UAE for over 40 years, and its ties with all local stakeholders are continuously evolving. Local manufacturing began nearly 17 years ago, and today, Airbus is working on new projects including the A400M aircraft, in partnership with Strata, EDGE, EPI and other partners.
On Airbus’ industrial presence in the region, Sémelas said that around 800 Airbus commercial aircraft are currently flying in Middle Eastern airspace. Over the next 20 years, the company anticipates demand for around 3,700 additional aircraft in the region, 42 percent of which will be wide-body models, underlining the importance of Airbus’ presence to keep pace with this growth.
He stressed that the UAE is a key market in Airbus’ future order book, pointing to agreements with local carriers such as Etihad Airways, Emirates Group and Air Arabia.
Sémelas reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting the growth of the aviation sector in the UAE and the wider region by investing in industrial partnerships and localising advanced skills and technologies, thereby strengthening the country’s position as a global aerospace and technology hub.
