IER MRO Industries has appointed Group AMANA as the general contractor for the construction of MRO4, the first operational phase of its planned narrowbody engine and module MRO complex at Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South.
The appointment marks the start of construction on IER MRO’s broader 1.4 million-square-foot development, which is being designed as a highly automated engine maintenance facility incorporating artificial intelligence, robotics, digital twin technology, advanced manufacturing and integrated digital systems.
Facility to support 2,000 module overhauls annually
At full scale, the facility is planned to accommodate up to 550 engine shop visits and approximately 2,000 major engine module overhauls each year.
The development will also include a twin-engine test-cell facility capable of conducting more than 1,000 engine tests annually. The test cells will be designed to handle engines with thrust ratings of up to 100,000 pounds.
IER MRO said the facility will combine engine and major module repair and overhaul capabilities with AI-supported engineering and advanced automation to improve maintenance processes and turnaround times.
Digital technology and robotics at the core
The planned digital infrastructure will connect facilities, assets, processes and material flows through digital twin technology and an integrated data environment.
AI-enabled engineering, robotics, automation, real-time tracking and predictive technologies will be deployed across the facility. IER MRO is also progressing plans to introduce robotic systems for logistics and technician-assistance activities.
The development is intended to create an integrated MRO environment capable of supporting higher levels of automation while reducing engine and module turnaround times.
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Training to support the MRO workforce
The wider development will include an IER Centre of Excellence and a dedicated aviation training academy. These facilities will focus on developing local engineers and technicians to support the UAE’s growing aviation maintenance sector.
Construction works will be administered and supervised on behalf of IER MRO by Bureau of Engineering Studies Consulting Engineers (BEST), the company’s appointed engineer and consultant.
The MRO development is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and forms part of IER MRO’s plans to establish a large-scale engine and module maintenance operation in Dubai South.
Lawrence J. Howie, Chairman and CEO of IER MRO Industries, said the appointment of Group AMANA represents a move from planning to physical execution of the project, with the company targeting an AI-native and highly automated MRO operation.
Tariq Alawneh, General Manager of Group AMANA, said the project will involve the delivery of a high-technology MRO facility designed to support the UAE’s aviation and maintenance industry.
