Emirates Engineering Becomes First UAE Organisation To Secure Design Organisation Approval From GCAA For Major Modifications

Emirates Engineering has reached a notable achievement by becoming the first entity in the UAE to secure Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This approval allows them to independently handle major aircraft modifications through Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), marking a significant step forward in UAE aviation regulation.

The GCAA's certification of Emirates Engineering's design work signifies a shift in how aircraft modifications are managed. "This approval fundamentally changes our approach to aircraft modification," stated Adel Al Redha, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer. "In-house design and certification capability gives us direct control over our product development and helps us to define our specifications and our timeline."

This new certification elevates Emirates Engineering's capabilities from minor modifications to include major cabin reconfigurations and complex design changes. Previously, such tasks relied on external original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or third-party organisations. Now, Emirates can manage these processes internally, gaining more control over timelines, costs, and innovation priorities.

The approval covers both Airbus and Boeing aircraft types, offering flexibility across Emirates' fleet. Over the past six months, Emirates Engineering expanded its design team by hiring specialised engineers and updating procedures to meet stringent requirements for major modification approval. The team is set to grow from five to over thirteen specialists.

Emirates Engineering now stands among a select few airlines globally with in-house major design and certification capabilities. This strategic advantage enhances the UAE's position in global aviation. The enhanced design capability supports Emirates' extensive fleet refurbishment programme for Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleets, providing more control over modification timelines without relying on external partners.

Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, remarked on this development: "This accreditation represents an important advancement in the development of the aircraft design and engineering approval ecosystem in the UAE." He highlighted that it strengthens the national aviation sector’s ability to perform major modifications efficiently.

Future Innovations and Local Production

The expanded design approval not only supports current projects but also paves the way for future innovations in cabin technology and configuration. It aligns with Emirates' ambitions for parts production and manufacturing locally, allowing them to develop intellectual property for components that can be manufactured within the UAE.

This milestone aligns with Emirates' expansion at Dubai World Central (DWC), where these capabilities will play a crucial role in their long-term engineering strategy. The partnership with GCAA has been instrumental in developing a regulatory framework that supports this growth.

By achieving this milestone, Emirates Engineering enhances its role within the national aviation sector. This progress reflects GCAA’s vision of elevating safety standards while developing national engineering capabilities that meet future industry growth needs.

With inputs from WAM