Dubai South has signed an agreement with Phoenix Aviation to develop a new aircraft maintenance facility at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH). This will expand Dubai’s capacity to serve international airlines and aircraft operators.
Announced on October 30, 2026, the agreement covers a new airside development dedicated to wide-body aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). It also includes cabin modifications, aircraft completion and cargo conversions.
The facility is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2029. It will add specialised infrastructure to Dubai South’s growing aviation ecosystem.
For Phoenix Aviation, the project represents another major expansion at MBRAH. Moreover, it highlights Dubai’s efforts to attract aviation investment and establish the emirate as a preferred destination for aircraft maintenance and technical services.
New Dubai South Facility to Support Wide-Body Aircraft Maintenance
The planned development will introduce additional maintenance capacity for wide-body aircraft, including modern commercial jets that require specialised equipment and technical expertise. At the centre of the project is a 35,000-square-metre aircraft hangar. This hangar is designed to accommodate three wide-body aircraft simultaneously.
The facility will support aircraft types such as the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350. This will allow Phoenix Aviation to serve airlines operating some of the industry’s newest long-haul fleets.
Aircraft maintenance will not be its only function. In addition, the development will accommodate cabin modifications, aircraft completion services and cargo conversions. This gives operators access to several technical services within the same location.
For airlines, having these capabilities available at one facility could simplify maintenance planning. It could also reduce the logistical challenges associated with moving aircraft between different service providers.
Aircraft Hangars, Workshops and Delivery Centre Planned for 2029
Phoenix Aviation’s expansion will include a range of purpose-built facilities intended to support aircraft maintenance, engineering operations and customer services. The project will feature a 35,000-square-metre aircraft hangar, alongside an 18,000-square-metre delivery centre dedicated to aircraft handovers and storage.
Another 15,000 square metres will be allocated to workshops and storage facilities, providing space for technical equipment, spare parts and maintenance-related activities. Furthermore, the development will include 3,000 square metres of office space to accommodate administrative and operational functions.
These facilities are designed to work together. Thus, they allow maintenance teams to carry out complex aircraft servicing while supporting logistics, inspections and aircraft delivery processes.
Completion is expected during the first quarter of 2029. The financial value of the development has not been disclosed in the announcement.
Phoenix Aviation Expands Its Presence at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub
The agreement will increase Phoenix Aviation’s presence at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. It brings the total number of hangars at the location to two. The company already operates an A380-compatible maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at MBRAH. This gives it an established base within Dubai South’s aviation community.
The additional facility will allow Phoenix Aviation to expand its services to a broader range of wide-body aircraft. At the same time, it will increase its capacity to handle maintenance and modification projects.
Rather than establishing operations at a new location, the company is building on existing infrastructure and relationships within MBRAH. This approach could help streamline its expansion. In addition, it allows the company to benefit from the aviation businesses and support services already operating in the area.
Phoenix Aviation expects the new facility to serve customers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Its expanded operations could also attract aircraft manufacturers, technical specialists and other businesses involved in commercial aviation services.
Dubai South Strengthens Its Position as a Global Aviation Hub
The agreement was signed during MRO Europe in Amsterdam, with Nabil Alkindi, Group CEO of Dubai South, and Julian Ehrhard, President and CEO of Phoenix Aviation, attending alongside senior representatives from both organisations.
Dubai South views the project as part of its strategy to develop a comprehensive aviation ecosystem. This ecosystem is capable of attracting international operators and long-term investment.
Alkindi highlighted the importance of Phoenix Aviation’s continued expansion. He described it as a reflection of confidence in Dubai South’s infrastructure and future development plans.
The investment also supports Dubai’s broader ambition to become a major international centre for aviation services. As airlines expand their fleets and introduce newer aircraft models, demand for advanced maintenance facilities continues to create opportunities for specialised aerospace businesses.
Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub is positioned to benefit from that demand through its aviation infrastructure, industry partnerships and access to Dubai’s wider logistics network.
Phoenix Aviation Targets Faster Aircraft Turnaround Times
Phoenix Aviation’s expansion is designed to respond to changing maintenance requirements across the global aviation industry. Gilles Negre, Founder and Chairman of Phoenix Aviation, highlighted the growing demand for wide-body aircraft services. He also noted the importance of providing multiple technical capabilities within one development.
The company plans to incorporate modern aircraft technologies, specialised equipment and dedicated logistics areas into the facility. These investments are intended to improve maintenance efficiency and reduce the time aircraft spend on the ground.
Aircraft turnaround time remains a major consideration for airlines. When an aircraft is undergoing maintenance, it cannot generate revenue through scheduled passenger or cargo operations. Delays can also affect flight planning and fleet availability.
By combining maintenance, modifications, aircraft completion and cargo conversion services, Phoenix Aviation aims to provide a more integrated service offering for international customers.
The expanded facility is expected to strengthen the company’s ability to handle technically demanding projects. Importantly, it will support aircraft operators seeking efficient maintenance solutions in the region.
What the Agreement Means for Dubai’s Aviation Business Sector
The Dubai South Phoenix Aviation agreement adds another specialised aviation development to the emirate’s expanding aerospace industry. Beyond the construction of a new maintenance facility, the project could create opportunities for businesses involved in aircraft engineering, technical services, spare parts distribution and aviation logistics.
Large-scale maintenance operations depend on extensive supply chains. Aircraft components, specialist tooling, engineering expertise and logistics support all play important roles in keeping maintenance facilities operational. As Phoenix Aviation expands its capabilities, demand for related services may also increase.
For companies considering opportunities within Dubai South, the development demonstrates the continued investment taking place at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. Its growing concentration of aviation businesses could make the location increasingly attractive to suppliers and specialist service providers. They would have access to regional and international markets.
The project’s planned completion in early 2029 will mark another stage in the development of MBRAH. More importantly, it reflects Dubai South’s continuing efforts to build an aviation ecosystem. That ecosystem supports long-term business growth, technical innovation and international investment.
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM) – Dubai South and Phoenix Aviation Sign Agreement for New Facility at MBRAH
- Dubai South – Official Website
