Emirates Engineering has become the first organisation in the UAE to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for major aircraft modifications carried out through Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). The certification marks a major advancement for the country’s aviation sector, enabling in-house approval of substantial design changes.
The GCAA’s direct certification of Emirates Engineering’s design work allows the regulator to independently assess and process major aircraft modifications, representing a significant development in the evolution of UAE aviation oversight.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, said:
“This approval fundamentally changes our approach to aircraft modification. In-house design and certification capability gives us direct control over our product development and helps us to define our specifications and our timeline.
“The timing also aligns with our expansion at DWC, where this certification expertise will be integral to our engineering operations. We thank the GCAA for their partnership in developing the regulatory framework that made this milestone possible.”
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“This accreditation represents an important advancement in the development of the aircraft design and engineering approval ecosystem in the UAE. It reflects the readiness of the regulatory framework the GCAA is building to empower all maintenance and engineering service providers to enhance their capabilities.
Granting Emirates Engineering the status of an Approved Design Organisation paves the way for developing local design solutions that meet global standards, and strengthens the national aviation sector’s ability to carry out major aircraft modifications with greater efficiency and competitiveness. This milestone is fully aligned with the GCAA’s vision to elevate safety standards and develop national engineering capabilities that can meet the future growth needs of the aviation industry in the UAE.”
The new approval expands Emirates Engineering’s existing authority for minor modifications to include major cabin reconfigurations and other complex changes. This shift provides the airline with more direct control over development timelines, costs and innovation priorities. Until now, such major work depended on external original equipment manufacturers or specialist design houses.
Covering both Airbus and Boeing aircraft types, the approval provides flexibility across Emirates’ current fleet and potential future acquisitions.
In preparation for certification, Emirates Engineering has significantly grown its internal design organisation over the past six months, recruiting specialist design engineers and updating procedures to meet stringent GCAA standards. The team will expand from five to more than thirteen dedicated staff, with further growth planned.
This accreditation positions Emirates Engineering among a select group of airlines worldwide with fully fledged in-house design and certification capability, strengthening the UAE’s role in the global aviation and aerospace industry.
Supporting a major fleet refurbishment initiative
The enhanced design authority will directly contribute to Emirates’ extensive refurbishment programme for its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. It provides the flexibility to manage modification schedules internally, reducing reliance on external organisations with competing deadlines.
Looking ahead, the approval also facilitates future advancements in cabin technology, supports ambitions in component production, and provides a platform for developing locally manufactured parts based on Emirates-owned intellectual property.
The certification complements the expansion of Emirates’ maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities at Dubai World Central (DWC), where these design capabilities will be central to long-term engineering and production plans.
