Airbus has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Etihad Airways Engineering to jointly develop a new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service solution for A380 aircraft operators worldwide.

As part of the MoU, new maintenance, engineering and upgrades capabilities will be set up in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to provide third-party support for airlines using A380 fleets.

Planned to become operational by next year, the partnership will allow A380 operators to conduct heavy maintenance checks and upgrade their fleet under one roof.

"The partnership will allow A380 operators to conduct heavy maintenance checks and upgrade their fleet under one roof."

Airbus’ inventory management subsidiary Satair Group will also provide consumable and expendable parts required for heavy checks and upgrades on-site.

Recently providing MRO services in the Middle East, Etihad Airways Engineering has delivered Etihad Airways’ first A380 heavy maintenance C-check, along with a cabin modification service.

The company currently operates a aircraft MRO facility near Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Manufacturing aircraft with more than 600 seats, Airbus has so far delivered nearly 16,750 aircraft to over 400 global customers.

Last month, Airbus completed the formation of a new joint venture (JV) maintenance and overhaul company with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) in Singapore.

Named Heavy Maintenance Singapore (HMS) Services, the new JV will become functional by next month.

SIAEC holds a 65% equity stake and Airbus owns 35% in HMS Services.


Image: A380 operators will be able to conduct heavy maintenance checks and upgrade their fleet at new MRO facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Photo: courtesy of Airbus.