Emirates Flight Catering to supply business jets at Dubai South

Emirates Flight Catering plans to open a facility to supply private and business flights operating out of Dubai South.

The area’s aviation district said the Emirates unit would build a facility spread across 4,800 square metres, providing in-flight catering and support services.

The aviation district is part of Dubai South, a 145-square kilometre, purpose-built aerotropolis created around Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be the world’s largest upon completion.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, the executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, the parent of Dubai South, said: “Given the expected business aviation traffic and our vision of creating a world-class aviation hub at Dubai South, we have awarded the contract to Emirates Flight Catering Company to provide dedicated executive in-flight catering services for general aviation within the aviation district.”

The majority of business jet operations are expected to relocate to Al Maktoum airport, which is forecast to experience double-digit growth over the coming years, leading to almost 18,000 annual movements by 2018.

The aviation district has spent Dh1.2 billion during the past two years on infrastructure and ground assets, and an additional Dh500 million is designated for next year, with the inauguration of its business aviation facility next month.

At present thousands of tonnes of cargo are moved between the Emirates freighter facility in Dubai South and its “mega terminal” at Dubai International Airport.

The district plans to open different types of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities specialising in engines, landing gear and airframe repairs.

Dubai South will also house the exhibition site being built for Expo 2020, a Dh25 billion residential zone known as The Villages, an Emirates Flight Academy, a logistics and cargo district and a new free zone business park. The area, previously known as Dubai World Central, was rebranded in August.