Abu Dhabi Airports (ADAC) has signed up more partners for its new aerospace cluster at Al Ain, in deals with Swiss and UK-based companies.

Swiss-based rotary engine manufacturer Mistral Engines, which develops general aviation engines based on Wankel technology, has agreed a memorandum of understanding to establish research, production and testing facilities at the airport in the emirate of Abu Dhabi's second city.

ADAC chairman Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei says: "Mistral Engines is a world leader in rotary engine development and it is fitting that such a high-quality and innovative company is one of the first to work with the Al Ain aerospace cluster. The signing of the MoU this morning demonstrates the tremendous strength of our collaboration and points to a very promising future."

UK firm Beagle Aerospace will establish a spares warehouse for aircraft components such as flaps, spoilers, engine cowls and thrust reversers. It plans eventually to build a composite repair facility at the site.

Fellow UK business Generation Metals International will set up a facility at Al Ain which will "utilise its experience in supply chain management as well as providing an extensive range of aerospace metallics to businesses operating in the wider region".

Kevin Bolderston, managing director of GMI, says: "As an established global supplier of aerospace products and services our strategy is one of further expansion overseas - we see Al Ain as a key accelerator in our growth on the global stage. We see ourselves meeting the needs of the cluster businesses as well as facilitating our progression across the Middle East, Asia and Africa."

Earlier this week at the show, ADAC said it was establishing the aerospace cluster and signed its first tie-up with Bavarian aerospace industry.

Source: Flight Daily News

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