Strata, the Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, manufacturer of aerostructures, is on the threshold of a significant expansion, the company says.

“This is certainly an exciting time for us with Strata ready to expand its business capabilities,” said CEO Ross Bradley. He made the comment at a meeting of more than 100 key aerospace suppliers from around the world hosted by Strata to update them on progress at the facility and plans for the near future.

“The suppliers’ conference is just the beginning, and we plan on making further important announcements in the coming months,” Bradley said.

The company, part of Mubadala Aerospace, is wholly owned by Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company.

The product range includes advanced composite aerostructures, including flap track fairings, ailerons, spoilers and assemblies for Airbus aircraft and the empennage for the ATR Regional Aircraft (ATR is a joint venture between EADS and Finmeccanica).

“The performance of our suppliers is critical to Strata’s success, so it was always our intention to invite these key partners to Al Ain as soon as we had the plant operational. We’re really pleased at the response. The event has given us the opportunity to share our vision with suppliers as well as highlight the opportunities available to them as they support the growth of Abu Dhabi’s aviation industry.

As well as suppliers from the UAE, companies from major markets globally - including France, Germany, Italy and the UK - attended the forum. Strata shared details of its growth strategy as it gears to increase production capability at the plant. Delegates were also engaged in a number of important discussions around business development and given a guided tour of the facilities.

Aerospace part of Vision 2030

Bradley: Strata is on the threshold of big happenings

Homaid Al Shemmari, executive director, Mubadala Aerospace and chairman of Strata, launched the discussions with an overview of Mubadala Aerospace.

“Establishing an aerospace industry in the emirate is an important part of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and I’m proud we’re able to attract leading suppliers from around the world to Strata,” Al Shemmari said. “These partners are critical to supporting our vision of building an integrated knowledge-driven aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi. Sustainable businesses such as Strata are helping to deliver opportunities for skilled UAE nationals, something that’s at the heart of Mubadala’s mission.”

Other presentations provided an overview of the aero-structures business and its growth ambitions. With agreements in place with companies such as EADS/Airbus the discussions also emphasised the substantial opportunities available for Strata’s suppliers.

The company’s portfolio includes flap track airings

Through partnerships with world leading companies such as Boeing, EADS, Finmeccanica and GE, Mubadala Aerospace has combined global expertise and local resources to develop an advanced, technology-driven aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi.

Mubadala is building the industry around composite aerostructures and OEM manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and pilot training. These sectors are underpinned with education and training initiatives to create job opportunities for the local population and develop a highly skilled workforce with research and development facilities being established to place Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global aerospace industry.

As well as Strata, Mubadala Aerospace projects include Sanad, the component and engine leasing company that works in partnership with Mubadala’s Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and SR Technics to deliver integrated MRO services to a global customer base.