Emirates and Aerospace Group Safran Tackle Airplane Seat Demand with Assembly Plant Agreement
DUBAI—Emirates and Safran Seats have signed an MoU to create a new aircraft seat manufacturing and assembly facility in Dubai. The operation will center on advanced assembly processes, beginning with Business Class and Economy Class seats for Emirates’ cabin retrofit program, with plans to expand into line-fit production.
The Dubai-based facility will bring Safran’s aircraft seating expertise closer to Emirates’ core operations, boosting regional production capacity and streamlining supply chains for both Emirates and other Safran customers. Designed with the latest automation and assembly technologies, the site aims to meet rising global demand for aircraft seating while improving operational efficiency.
Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the collaboration positions Dubai as a growing aerospace manufacturing hub, creating highly skilled jobs and supporting major cabin upgrade initiatives. He added that expanding local assembly capabilities aligns with the city’s D33 economic agenda and will attract more component manufacturers and technology partners.
Safran has been a key seat supplier for Emirates’ fleet refurbishment program and new A350 aircraft. Set for completion in Q4 2027, the Dubai site will cover 20,000–25,000 square meters. The initial ramp-up will include the assembly of up to 1,000 Business Class seats per year, with a phased expansion planned.
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