Finance

Emirates and Safran sign deal for aircraft seat plant in Dubai

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 18, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Emirates and Safran sign deal for aircraft seat plant in Dubai
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DUBAI (Reuters) -Emirates airline and French aerospace group Safran have signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a manufacturing and seat assembly plant in Dubai, Safran said on Tuesday. The

Emirates and Safran Partner to Establish Aircraft Seat Factory in Dubai

DUBAI (Reuters) -Emirates airline and French aerospace group Safran have signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a manufacturing and seat assembly plant in Dubai, Safran said on Tuesday.

The plant will serve Dubai-based Emirates and other Safran customers amid growing demand for aircraft.

It will concentrate on business and economy class seats for cabin refurbishment projects, with plans to expand into new aircraft in the future.

Safran aims to complete the plant by the fourth quarter of 2027, with initial plans to assemble up to 1,000 business class seats per year.

Boosting seat production is at the centre of efforts to clear a logjam that has contributed to billions of dollars of aircraft delays for industry giants Airbus and Boeing, and higher fares for passengers.

The new plant could mean Emirates taking deliveries of aircraft without seats and then flying them to Dubai to install seats at the new facility, something that would normally be done at Airbus or Boeing factories before planes are delivered.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher. Writing by Ahmed Elimam. Editing by Mark Potter)

Key Takeaways

  • Emirates and Safran sign a deal for a seat plant in Dubai.
  • The plant will focus on business and economy class seats.
  • Safran aims to complete the plant by Q4 2027.
  • The facility will help reduce aircraft delivery delays.
  • Emirates may receive aircraft without seats for local installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are business class seats?
Business class seats are premium seating options on aircraft that offer more space, comfort, and amenities compared to economy class, designed for business travelers and those seeking a more luxurious flying experience.
What is aircraft refurbishment?
Aircraft refurbishment refers to the process of updating or renovating an aircraft's interior, including seats, cabin design, and technology, to improve passenger comfort and meet current standards.

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