Dubai South has signed a deal with Phoenix Aviation. The agreement, sealed during MRO Europe on Saturday, creates a new airside plot at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH). This marks a further step in Dubai South's strategy to broaden its aviation footprint.
The development will host a 35,000‑sq‑m aircraft hangar, an 18,000‑sq‑m delivery centre for handovers and storage, a 15,000‑sq‑m workshop and stores, plus 3,000 sq m of office space. These facilities are designed to meet the rising demand for specialised aviation services. The mix of hangar, delivery centre and workshop creates a comprehensive ecosystem for aircraft maintenance and turnaround.
New airside plot expands capacity at MBRAH
The hangar will be sized to accommodate three wide‑body aircraft, including models such as the Boeing 777X and Airbus A350. By adding this capacity, Phoenix Aviation will increase its total hangars at MBRAH to two, joining its existing A380‑compatible MRO hangar. This dual‑hangar capability enhances the hub's ability to service both ultra‑large and next‑generation wide‑body fleets.
Completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2029, giving airlines a modern hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul activities well before the end of the decade. The timeline aligns with projected growth in regional air traffic and fleet renewals.
Facilities and timeline for the development
Senior executives Nabil Alkindi, Group CEO of Dubai South, and Julian Ehrhard, President and CEO of Phoenix Aviation, signed the agreement in the presence of other senior leaders from both organisations. Their presence underscored the collaborative intent behind the project.
"This agreement advances our mandate to develop an integrated aviation ecosystem that attracts international investment and strengthens Dubai’s role in the global aerospace industry," Alkindi said.
Industry impact and executive statements
The new centre will broaden capacity for airlines across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, reinforcing Dubai South’s position as a regional aviation hub. It also supports Dubai South’s broader mandate to develop an integrated aviation ecosystem that attracts international investment.
Our expansion at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub is designed to address growing demand for wide-body aircraft services and bring together complementary capabilities in one location.
— Gilles Negre, Founder and Chairman of Phoenix Aviation
With the added space and specialised tooling, the project aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce aircraft ground time, offering a broader range of services to international carriers and aircraft manufacturers. These improvements are expected to enhance turnaround speed and service quality for operators.