Abu Dhabi-based Strata has clinched a deal to manufacture Airbus A350-1000 flap support fairings (FSFs).
Strata Manufacturing, which has its production facilities in Al Ain, was granted the contract by Swedish company Saab Aerostructures.
The two companies will work through 2023 under the contract.
Badr Al Olama, CEO of Strata Manufacturing, which is wholly-owned by Mubadala Development Company, said the new contract was testament to Strata’s competitive capability in manufacturing composite aserostructures.
“This latest deal enables us to expand our role in the global supply chain due to our commitment to providing customers with the highest international quality standards and timely delivery.
“Strata continues to initiate production programmes, aimed at positioning Strata as one of the top three manufacturers of composite aerostructures worldwide within the next 10 years and establishing Abu Dhabi and Al Ain’s position as a reliable global aerospace hub.”
Strata had signed in 2012 a landmark SABCA (Sociétés Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques) contract to provide FSFs for the Airbus A350-900, solidifying Strata as a pivotal partner in manufacturing A350 XWB aerostructures.
The A350 XWB is an all new family of mid-sized wide-body airliners designed to shape the efficiency of medium-to-long haul airline operations.
Lars Jensen, managing director for Saab Aerostructures, said: “We have been in close contact for a lengthy period and we are looking forward to this cooperation with Strata, which we hope is the first step in a long joint journey.”
Established in 2009, Strata is currently a supplier for the Airbus A330 and the A380 programmes and is preparing to begin supplying to SABCA on the A350 XWB programme for Airbus, as well as to Boeing on the 777 and 787 programmes.
Boeing delivered its first 787 Dreamliner with parts produced in the UAE by Strata Manufacturing.
Strata manufactured vertical fin ribs for the Dreamliner delivered to Etihad Airways. The company’s purpose-built 21,600 sq m factory is located at the Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park in Al Ain and has been functioning since 2010.
“Having more skilled, capable suppliers of advanced aerospace composite parts is crucial to meeting market demand in the future,” said Kent Fisher, a vice president at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“Strata’s production of 787 composites for Boeing is a significant achievement in our effort to continue building a supply chain for our products.”
Strata’s chief executive Al Olama said the delivery of aircraft parts that were “made in the UAE, for the UAE” was a “major accomplishment for Abu Dhabi’s aerospace industry”.
