Emirates Engineering Receives GCAA Approval for Major Aircraft Design Modifications
Emirates Engineering has received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for significant aircraft modifications using Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). This approval enables the GCAA to directly certify Emirates Engineering’s design work for major modifications, marking an important advancement in the UAE’s aviation regulatory framework.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, said: “This approval changes how we approach aircraft modification. Having in-house design and certification capability gives us more control over product development, specifications, and timelines. The timing also supports our expansion at DWC, where this expertise will form part of our future engineering operations. We appreciate the GCAA’s support in establishing the regulatory framework that enabled this step.”
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said: “This accreditation supports the ongoing development of the aircraft design and engineering approval ecosystem in the UAE. It reflects progress in establishing a regulatory environment that enables maintenance and engineering organisations to expand their capabilities. Recognizing Emirates Engineering as an Approved Design Organisation allows for locally developed design solutions that comply with global standards and supports the national aviation sector’s ability to manage major aircraft modifications with greater efficiency. This aligns with the GCAA’s objective to enhance safety standards and strengthen national engineering capabilities.”
The approval expands Emirates Engineering’s existing minor modification capability to include major cabin changes and complex design work. This provides the organisation with greater flexibility in modifying schedules, cost planning, and design direction. Previously, such major modifications depended on external original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or third-party design organisations.
The scope covers both Airbus and Boeing aircraft types, offering flexibility across Emirates’ current fleet and future projects.
Over the past six months, Emirates Engineering has increased its design organisation capacity by hiring specialised design engineers and upgrading internal processes to meet DOA requirements. The team is growing from five to more than thirteen specialists, with further expansion planned.
This certification enables Emirates Engineering to manage major design and certification work internally, contributing to the UAE’s ongoing development in aviation and aerospace capabilities.
Supporting Emirates’ Refurbishment and Future Programmes
The enhanced design capability supports Emirates’ ongoing fleet refurbishment programme for its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The in-house approval gives Emirates Engineering more control over modification timelines and reduces dependence on external design providers.
The approval also creates opportunities for future cabin technology upgrades, cabin reconfigurations, and Emirates Engineering’s long-term plans for component development and manufacturing. It enables the organisation to create intellectual property for locally produced parts.
Additionally, the approval aligns with the airline’s development of expanded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities at Dubai World Central (DWC), where the newly approved design functions will support future engineering and production activities.
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