Strata Manufacturing, a leader in composite aero structures wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company, has extended its agreement with Pilatus Aircraft to cover a new composite work package for the PC-24, a twin-engine business jet.

The new agreement will see Strata manufacture PC-24 flap track fairings and comes exactly a year after the two major manufacturers signed a landmark partnership on the PC-24, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

The expanded deal positions Strata as the major supplier of both belly and flap track fairings for the world’s first ‘Super Versatile Jet’.

Commenting on the new contract award, Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata, stated: “During the past 12 months, Strata worked diligently to ensure the smooth delivery of the belly fairing for Pilatus’ ground-breaking aircraft. Our production and delivery track record have exceeded expectations and, ultimately, led to the award of this new work package.”

“Pilatus is a key customer of our global partner network and this extended agreement highlights Strata’s advanced technological capabilities in the global aerospace supply chain – including our UAE-made components,” he added.

The first flap track fairings – designed to cover the gaps between aircraft parts to reduce drag and improve appearance – will be delivered for First Article Inspection by the end of this year.

Roman Emmenegger, VP Manufacturing at Pilatus Aircraft, noted: “The delivery of the first complete PC-24 Belly Fairing shipset in just eight months after contract signature in April this year is a very significant milestone that demonstrates the capabilities and performance of Strata. We are today launching the second PC-24 composites package and we look forward to receive the First Article from Strata in 2019.”

In February, Strata celebrated the delivery of its first shipset of belly fairings for the PC-24, which is specifically engineered to take-off and land from unpaved runways with incredible short-field performance. The extended agreement between the two companies marks the next step in a long-term alliance aimed at delivering holistic production of the complete PC-24 composite shipset requirement in the UAE.

OPTIMISING OPERATIONS

Meanwhile, Strata, is set to collaborate with the UAE-based DGWorld (Digi Robotics Technologies) to implement a robotics system within Strata’s manufacturing processes.

The agreement enables Strata to automate the company’s operations assembly unit, including drilling, reaming and countersinking – activities that are critical in the production of aircraft components. Once the process is qualified, the robotics system will be integrated into Strata’s production line that develops composite aerostructures for major aircraft manufacturers.

“Strata’s move towards automating production capabilities with the use of robotics alongside our employees, will offer greater efficiency advantages for our global customers,” said Ali Abdulla.

“Investing in transformative research and technologies has always been key to our international growth strategy and partnering with DGWorld, a UAE-born firm, demonstrates that the ‘Made in the UAE’ brand has much to offer on this journey. This partnership enables us to expand our technological qualifications on several customer programmes, making us more advanced, competitive and efficient — a future that we are looking forward to as Abu Dhabi realises its ambitions in transforming its economy into diverse industries, inclusive of a sustainable aerospace sector.”

Dubai-based DGWorld specialises in implementing automation and robotics solutions for manufacturing, industrial and unmanned aerial vehicle applications in the Middle East region.

‘’We are delighted and proud to work with Strata on such an innovative and prestigious program within the UAE. We believe this strategic partnership between DGWorld and Strata will propel us towards the futuristic vision that the UAE is leading in digitalisation, smart technologies and industry 4.0,’’ said Bilal Al Hattab, chief executive officer, DGWorld.

This collaboration allows Strata to leverage the benefits of a local supply chain. Presently, half of the manufacturer’s vendors are based in the United Arab Emirates. When operational, the robotics system will be incorporated into Strata’s Al Ain- based facility. 

Since its inception in 2009, Strata has emerged as a Tier 1 supplier of aero-structures for global original equipment manufacturers. Powered by a 700-strong workforce, the company also has a thriving research and development unit engaged in projects related to automation, advanced materials and additive manufacturing solutions.