MRO & Manufacturing
AMES Expands Dubai MRO Facility with New Workshop in 2026
AMES, a Safran and AFI KLM E&M JV, will expand its Dubai MRO with a new 1,900 sqm workshop and double its workforce by 2026.
Aerostructures Middle East Services (AMES), the 50/50 joint venture between Safran Nacelles and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), has officially announced the launch of a significant growth phase beginning in 2026. According to the company’s announcement, this expansion is designed to meet surging demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services across the Middle-East and Indian subcontinent.
The expansion centers on the construction of a new industrial workshop within the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai. The project aims to bolster the region’s capacity to support next-generation aircraft fleets, specifically targeting the Airbus A320neo, A330neo, and Boeing 777 platforms.
The core of the announcement details a substantial increase in physical infrastructure and human capital. AMES plans to construct a new facility adding 1,900 square meters of industrial floor space. The company states that this addition represents a 40% increase in workshop area compared to its 2025 operational footprint.
Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the new workshop expected to become fully operational by 2027. To support this physical expansion, AMES has committed to a major recruitment drive. The joint venture plans to double its workforce, targeting a total of approximately 100 employees by the end of 2026.
“The recent contracts signed by the parent companies prove the dynamism of the region and the need to strengthen our capacity in terms of infrastructure, material and human resources.”
, Dimitri Fauron, Co-Director of AMES
The decision to expand follows a period of sustained growth for the MRO provider. In 2024, AMES completed an initial extension that doubled its capacity for radome and fan stator module repairs. The upcoming 2026 phase is a direct response to what the company describes as “strong growth in demand” from regional airlines.
The new facility will feature specialized equipment to handle complex repairs, including a large-capacity autoclave. This equipment is essential for high-quality repairs of composite materials, such as radomes and nacelle components. The expansion will also support the company’s status as a licensed repair station for LEAP-1A nacelles, a critical component for the Airbus A320neo family.
“New licenses, such as the one for the A320neo, and strategic tools allow us to develop complex repair capabilities, including the replacement of main structural components.”
, Aymeric Verdier, Co-Director of AMES
At AirPro News, we view this expansion as a clear indicator of the “glocal” strategy increasingly adopted by major aerospace conglomerates. By localizing heavy maintenance capabilities in Dubai, Safran and AFI KLM E&M are effectively reducing turnaround times for Middle Eastern carriers, mitigating the logistical costs and delays associated with shipping large components like nacelles to Europe or the US.
Furthermore, the doubling of the workforce signals a maturing of the local aerospace labor market in the UAE. As global supply chains remain susceptible to bottlenecks, the ability to perform complex composite repairs and structural replacements locally enhances the operational resilience of airlines in the region.
Sources: Safran Group
AMES Announces Major Expansion of Dubai MRO Capabilities for 2026
Scaling Industrial Capacity and Workforce
Strategic Drivers and Technical Capabilities
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Photo Credit: Safran