First of its Kind Facility in the Middle East to Meet Growing Demand for VIP Aircrafts in the Region

Reinforces DWC’s Commitment to Support Advancing Business Aviation Sector

Falcon Aviation, the Abu Dhabi-based VIP jet and helicopter service provider, today broke ground on the Middle East’s first VIP Completion Centre at Dubai World Central, the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis.

In a ground breaking ceremony held at the 6th Middle East Business Aviation (MEBAA) exhibition at Dubai World Central, Falcon Aviation revealed detailed plans for the US$80 million VIP Completion Centre scheduled for completion by the end of 2015. Spread across 13,705 sqm, the facility will provide enhanced and customized services to VIP customers and will also feature a state of the art hangar equipped to accommodate up to an Airbus A380. In addition, it will offer VIP lounges, workshops, offices, and an in-house design studio for its elite clientele.

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Chairman, Falcon Aviation, said: “We are proud to offer the first facility of its kind in the Middle East. This is a significant achievement – for Falcon, for DWC and for the UAE. With the boom of the aviation industry in the Middle East, the opening of such facilities puts the region at the leading edge of aerospace technology. Falcon Aviation not only fills a niche in the VIP completion market, providing an exclusive service to aircraft owners and operators in the Middle East, it brings the UAE closer to becoming the global trade hub of the world.”

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), said: “DWC’s partnership with Falcon Aviation is yet another step towards the UAE Vision. The significance of the project is evident not only in the investment behind it but also the purpose it serves. DWC’s Aviation District is ideally placed to host a project of this scale in that it is well equipped with world-class infrastructure and facilities to support the aviation business, whether it is MROs, FBOs, aircraft manufacturing or training, research and development. The Falcon VIP completion centre not only serves to bridge a definite gap in the market but enables us to redefine standards of success in the aviation industry, worldwide.”

Falcon Aviation has partnered with global market leaders for the development of the completion centre including Bombardier, Integrated Aerospace Alliance LLC., CDG and Rockwell Collins.

Commenting on the significance of the project, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Falcon Aviation, said:  “Rising competition in the industry and ever-tightening budgets have resulted in a shift in the way aircraft owners and operators are doing business. This is a complex business and we have paid careful attention to assess the needs of our customers. Our partnership with Dubai World Central is testament to our commitment to providing our customers with the best-in-class facilities and services that will ultimately contribute to the advancement of the aviation industry at large.”

The project brings together nearly 80 years of experience in aviation and engineering. The Falcon Hangar and state of the art completion facility and MRO will be built by consulting architects ARKIPLAN.ASIGLOBAL has been appointed to design the stressed arch hangar while MabaniSteel will fabricate and erect the steel structure. Leading UAE contractor Al Shafar National Contracting is the builder and main contractor for the project.

With a world class MRO and service centre for aircraft manufacturers, Falcon Aviation has been a leading company in the VIP aviation sector since 2006.An approved Embraer and Airbus Helicopter service center, Falcon Aviation operates a fleet of VVIP jet aircrafts along with Bell 412 Helicopters, serving the offshore oil & gas sector. It also provides VIP helicopter charters and tours within the UAE.

About Dubai World Central (DWC)

Dubai World Central is the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis. Built around Al Maktoum International Airport, the largest airport in the world when completed, DWC is the first city in the world to be exclusively designed around an airport.

Almost twice the size of Hong Kong, at 145 square kilometres, DWC has been designed as a self-sustained economic zone with a state of the art airport in the centre surrounded by businesses, trade facilities, customised transportation links, residential offerings and the home of Expo2020.

The eight districts comprising DWC are Logistics, Aviation, Residential, Commercial, Humanitarian, Exhibition, Golf and the Airport, itself.