Emirates has started building a new jet engine
test facility, one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated and the
only one of its size in the Middle East region.The ground-breaking ceremony at its construction site near Dubai marked a
significant milestone in the construction and commissioning of the 6,000
metre facility, which was designed in co-operation with General Electric
International Inc.

Due for completion in January 2007, it will house a 13-metre cross-section
jet engine test cell and an auxiliary power unit test cell, and will be
capable of testing aircraft engines with up to 150,000 pounds of thrust.

 

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President Engineering & Operations,
said: “This state-of-the-art test facility will be one of approximately 12
such facilities in the world and unique in the Middle East region.

 

“It optimises the latest technological advancements in test technology, and
in architectural and engineering design.  In addition, it meets all the
requirements of local environmental, health and safety regulations.

 

“Consistent with Emirates’ unprecedented growth initiatives, the facility
reaffirms the airline’s commitment to expanding and improving its aircraft
and engine maintenance capabilities, thus achieving a higher and more
economical level of self-sufficiency while further boosting customer
confidence in our excellent safety and reliability record.”

 

The facility will be capable of testing a large spectrum of jet engines and
a wide array of auxiliary power units, which will initially include the
Rolls-Royce Trent 500, 700, and 800 engine series, the Engine Alliance
GP7000, and the General Electric E90-115B engine, as well as the Honeywell
GTCP331-350, GTCP331-500 and GTCP331-600 auxiliary power units.

 

The aesthetically-pleasing, environmentally-friendly and efficient test
operation was designed to meet all stringent regulations for noise,
emissions and waste management, in addition to all safety and environmental
requirements.
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