Mubadala today unveiled the manufacturing strategy behind its state-of-the-art composites facility, Strata, which will produce aerostructures and composite components for the next generation of composite aircraft when it begins production in Q4 2010.Strata marks an important milestone in Mubadala’s strategy to create an aerospace manufacturing industry in Abu Dhabi that will facilitate the Emirate’s economic diversification plans and help to create a high-tech, knowledge intensive economy, and provide career opportunities for the current and future UAE workforce.

Working with its network of global partners in the aerospace industry, Strata will build its capabilities over time to deliver full design-to-build capabilities, significantly advancing Mubadala Aerospace’s range of products and services, and placing Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the industry. Highlights of the manufacturing strategy include:

• In partnership with EADS / Airbus, Strata will initially manufacture spoilers and flap track fairings for the Airbus A330, A340 and A380. By [insert date] Strata will produce a wide range of components including [insert detail] across all Airbus programs. The plant will enable Abu Dhabi to become part of EADS / Airbus’ global supplier base.
• Mubadala’s agreement with Finmeccanica, Alenia Aeronautica will provide support to develop the manufacturing processes that are needed for international industrial certifications.
• Alenia Aeronautica will provide support to develop primary structures including [insert details] for a range of commercial aircraft including [insert details].
• FACC will assist in the design, build and operation of the plant to manufacture composite components under FACC supervision and certification for Airbus and Boeing. These components will be used in Airbus A350 and A380.

“Strata is a major milestone for Abu Dhabi in its aspirations to become a leading manufacturing base for the global aerospace industry,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, Associate Director of Mubadala Aerospace. “The strength and breadth of our partnerships allow us to share knowledge, build our technical and R&D capabilities over time, and importantly, share the risk that comes with creating a new industry.”

“The reward for Abu Dhabi is a new economic sector that supports our region’s growth, and creates exciting and challenging career opportunities for people across the UAE,” he added.

Strata will provide over 500 employment opportunities ranging from technical roles to engineering and managerial roles in the period between 2010 and 2014, rising to more than 1000 employment opportunities by 2020.

Strata will be amongst the first unit to open at the Al Ain Aerospace Park, which will eventually be home to a host of companies supplying and servicing the aerospace industry. The Aerospace Park is predicted to employ over 20,000 people by 2030 and contribute AED 11.1 billion to the Abu Dhabi economy.

Ground was broken on Strata in June this year. Phase one includes a 21,600m² facility which will produce advanced composite aerostructures by Q4 2010. Subsequent phases of expansion are planned to provide a total facility in excess of 60,000m² over the next few years.