The Emirates Group has signed a one billion Emirati dirham ($272 million) project management contract with France's Aeroports de Paris International (ADPI), providing for the construction of an eight-hangar complex at the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Dubai International Airport.
ADPI will design and act as lead consultants for the new center, which will house Emirates airline’s rapidly expanding fleet. The state-owned carrier unveiled $15 billion worth of new aircraft orders for 22 giant double-decker Airbus A380 aircraft, 25 Boeing 777s, eight A340-600s and three A330s—a total of 58 aircraft, which will boost Emirates’ fleet to 100 by 2010.
Located in the Emirates Engineering Center, the complex is scheduled to commence operations by late 2005. It will include eight aircraft maintenance facilities, aircraft washing bay, administration block, a mosque, a waste treatment plant, access roads and parking for 2,000 cars.
With a 6,50-strong workforce, Emirates Airlines recorded a 140 percent rise in its half-yearly profits, reaching Dh404.2 million between January and June 2002. The airline posted first half operating revenues of $1.7 billion, a growth of 27 percent compared to $925.7 million in 1H01. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
