Qatar Airways celebrates opening of new state-of-the-art engine facility

Doha: Qatar Airways celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art engine facility as part of the vision to streamline the cost of its technical maintenance operations by more than $2.2m per year, further supporting the airline’s growth despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located in the Qatar Airways Technical Maintenance complex, the new 9,000 sq. ft. Engine Facility was officially opened by the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, in the presence of the President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Abdulla Nasser Turki Al Subaey, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, along with other senior officials and VIPs.

It is estimated the new facility will enable the airline to improve workflow by over 1,800 man-hours per month, or 23,400 man-hours per year, by centralising its engine production and engine parts storage processes, increasing the number of its engine production lines from four to eight covering a variety of aircraft engine types. In addition to this, the ultramodern facility is able to house a total of 80 engines of varying sizes in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, with two specialists ‘Dust Control’ rooms to limit the presence of dust and harmful particles, as well as a dedicated Supply Chain area to minimise waiting times for the ordering and transportation of spare parts.

Jassim Al-Sulaiti said, “This achievement will boost the ongoing growth of the aviation industry in Qatar and contribute to localising that major industry. This event also keeps pace with the remarkable development in the transportation sector in the country in light of the upsurge in development under the country’s wise leadership. Lately, the nation’s milestones in the field of the aviation industry have increased despite the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamad International Airport has continued winning awards as the best airport in the world in terms of efficiency, service and amenities for travellers and Qatar Airways has ranked first and won several global awards.

“The State of Qatar will continue the course of giving and work, as well as carrying out several projects in the future to keep pace with all developments in the aviation industry, which is one of the most advanced industries in the world, toward a promising future and an advanced country that takes its position among world countries, until reaching the horizons of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Akbar Al Baker said, “The continuous improvement and expansion of our Technical Maintenance facilities is a key element in supporting the airline’s ongoing efforts to rebuild our global network to more than 140 destinations by the summer peak season.
“With the new Engine Facility, we have not only created one of the most technologically advanced engine assembly and disassembly facilities available within the commercial aviation industry to date but also doubled our engine production capabilities.

“The facility’s extensive dedicated Supply Chain area also means that we have instant access to a ready supply of engine parts and equipment, reducing our reliance on external suppliers and further supporting the reliability and technical capability of Qatar Airways’ fleet of next-generation aircraft.”