Zodiac Aerospace has opened a new 4,500 sq m facility in Dubai South, a 145 sq km master-planned city that was formerly known as Dubai World Central,

The new facility will reinforce repair and logistics capabilities and shorten lead times, thereby better serving its customers in the area, said Christophe Bernadini, CEO of Zodiac Services.

Tahnoon Saif, vice president for Aviation, Dubai South, said: “By establishing base here, the company can now leverage on Dubai South’s gathering aviation ecosystem which includes the Al Maktoum International Airport – the world’s largest airport in the making.”

Zodiac Aerospace Services Middle East will mainly focus on servicing the group’s products, including seats, oxygen equipment, avionics and electronics, fuel systems, evacuation slides and galley inserts. The company will employ more than 100 persons and develop the aeronautics sector in the region.

Dubai South officials Kahlifa Suhail Al Zaffin, executive chairman, and Ahamd Alansari, deputy chief operating officer, were present at the opening.

Zodiac Aerospace has 30,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of €4.9 billion ($5.25 billion) in 2014/2015. through two main segments: the activities of Cabin & Structures and Seats, which make up aircraft interiors, and the Aircraft Systems activity, which provides vital functions on board.