Tawazun and Pilatus Forge New Deal for Enhanced PC-24 Component Supply with Strata

Tawazun Economic Council, in collaboration with Switzerland’s Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, has forged an offset agreement whereby Strata Manufacturing, an advanced composite aero structures production firm wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, will incorporate an additional three composite work packages for the PC-24 aircraft models by early 2021.

The accord was ratified by Matar Ali Al Romaithi, Tawazun’s Chief Economic Development Officer; Ismail Ali Abdullah, CEO of Strata Manufacturing; and Johan van Nieuwenhuizen, Director of Industrial Participation at Pilatus.

According to the agreement, over a span of seven years, Pilatus will allocate three supplementary work packages to Strata for the PC-24 – recognized globally as the first Super Versatile Jet. This includes two autoclave manufacturing packages for pylon fairings, bullet fairings, and tail cones, along with one groundbreaking package aiming to produce aerospace-class hot press composite parts in the UAE. This agreement fulfills the Tawazun Economic Program’s mandate to foster significant economic value and generate social and strategic advantages for the UAE.

Matar Al Romaithi stated: “This partnership exemplifies Tawazun’s dedication to delivering innovative solutions while advancing economic growth and commercial value for all entities engaged in procurement initiatives. We are prioritizing the interests of all stakeholders alongside the broader development of the UAE’s industry, as directed by our visionary leadership.”

“Beyond reinforcing the UAE’s prominent standing in the aviation sector, Tawazun’s ambitions include furthering the diversification of the national economy by integrating local suppliers into international supply chains and enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness as we draw in innovation and technology,” he elaborated.

“This extended agreement signifies the next phase in a long-term collaboration aimed at providing premium quality composite work packages for Pilatus in the UAE,” remarked Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata.

“Pilatus remains an essential partner within our global network, and this expanded agreement underscores Strata’s advanced technological proficiencies within the global aerospace supply chain – showcasing our ‘Made with Pride in the UAE’ components. It also reflects the trust Pilatus places in Strata’s manufacturing capabilities and outstanding delivery history, which we have consistently exceeded year after year, during our decade-long journey in pioneering the UAE’s aero structures manufacturing landscape.

Supported by Tawazun Economic Council through the Tawazun Economic Program, Strata has previously established collaborations with globally recognized aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus. Its arrangement with Pilatus is poised to fortify its position as a substantial contributor to global value chains by providing “Made with Pride in UAE” products.

“The achievements in producing the PC-24 belly fairing and the advancements on the PC-24 flap track fairings clearly illustrate Strata’s capabilities and performance,” Al Romaithi affirmed.

Roman Emmenegger, VP of Manufacturing at Pilatus, commented: “We are exceedingly pleased, and today we further reinforce our partnership with this significant enhancement to our agreement. We are proud to introduce a new capability for manufacturing hot press composites at Strata, a first for the UAE.”

“Pilatus is devoted to further strengthening our longstanding relationship with the UAE, spanning over thirty years, as we support the UAE Air Force with our PC-21 and PC-7 training aircraft and the establishment of aerospace centers of excellence alongside major partners like Strata,” he added.

Strata will facilitate Pilatus’ objective to elevate its production rate of PC-24 aircraft for the global market. The pylon, an aerodynamic panel for engine pylon systems and structures; bullet fairing; and tail cone—which houses aircraft flight control mechanisms; along with the new aerospace-class hot press capabilities, enhance Strata’s reputation as a leading global composite manufacturer.

Last year, the Tawazun Economic Council unveiled a series of enhancements to the Tawazun Economic Program, channeling both foreign and local investments into pivotal sectors of the economy. The revamped program is designed to improve its overall efficacy in supporting essential strategic UAE government goals while generating greater value for its partners and defense contractors. Additionally, it promotes the development of technology-driven solutions that extend beyond the defense and security domain.