Strata wins more work packages with Swiss plane maker Pilatus

Mubadala Investment Company’s aerospace manufacturing unit Strata won three new work packages from Swiss plane maker Pilatus Aircraft.

Under an offset agreement between the Tawazun Economic Council and Pilatus, Strata will supply parts for the twin-engine PC-24 business jet.

The seven-year deal is effective from the start of this year, Tawazun said on Sunday.

“The extended agreement marks the next step in a long-term partnership aimed at delivering further high-quality composite work packages for Pilatus in the UAE,” said Strata chief executive Ismail Abdulla.

The deal concludes Strata's "advanced talks" that began more than a year ago with Pilatus for further work packages on the PC-24 jet, in addition to an existing contract to make the aircraft's belly fairing.

Strata's deal comes amid a push by the UAE to develop its manufacturing capabilities, most recently with a plan to more than double the contribution of the industrial sector to the country's economy over the next 10 years.

“The success in the production of PC-24 belly fairing and the progress we are having on the PC-24 flap track fairings clearly demonstrates the capabilities and performance of Strata,” said Roman Emmenegger, vice president of manufacturing at Pilatus.

“We are extremely satisfied and, today, we further strengthen our relationship with this significant extension to our agreement.”

A belly fairing is a structure on the underside of an aircraft’s fuselage that connects to the wings to reduce air resistance.

The new work includes two packages for the autoclave manufacture of pylon and bullet fairings and tail cones. The third package is for the manufacture of aerospace-class, hot-press composite parts for the first time in the UAE.

Pilatus said it seeks to build on its 30-year relationship with the UAE, which includes supporting the UAE Air Force with its PC-21 and PC-7 training aircraft, and the creation of aerospace centres of excellence with local players such as Strata.

Tawazun said the agreement fulfils its mission to generate greater economic value and strategic benefits for the country.

“Tawazun’s goal is to continue to contribute to the diversification of the national economy by integrating local suppliers into global supply chains and aiding the UAE in becoming more competitive as we focus on and attract innovation and technology,” said chief economic development officer Matar Al Romaithi.

Backed by the Tawazun Economic Council under its economic programme, Strata already has partnerships with other global aircraft makers such as Boeing and Airbus.