Emirates NBD finances landmark TIM Aerospace facility

Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye and South Asia (MENATSA) region, has provided a bilateral capital expenditure term loan to TIM Aerospace, an independent aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider, to finance the construction and launch of one of the Middle East's largest independent aircraft maintenance facilities at Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai South.  

The financing will enable the development of a purpose-built MRO facility, expanding aircraft maintenance capacity in the UAE. It also aligns with Dubai's long-term plans for Al Maktoum International Airport and further strengthens Dubai South's position as a hub for aerospace and engineering companies.

The facility features an 18,000 square metre, fully climate-controlled, single-span hangar with a total built-up area of nearly 26,000 square metres. It can accommodate up to 12 narrow-body aircraft or five wide-body aircraft simultaneously, providing maintenance services for a broad range of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.  

The project also includes approximately 8,000 square metres of workshops, warehouses and office space, together with specialist infrastructure including 12 aircraft hangar doors, four overhead cranes and seven in-floor service pits to support efficient maintenance operations. 

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD, said: “Dubai's aviation sector continues to grow at pace, driving demand for world-class maintenance and engineering infrastructure that can support the evolving needs of airlines operating across the region. Financing TIM Aerospace's new MRO facility reflects Emirates NBD's commitment to enabling strategic infrastructure projects that strengthen the UAE's industrial capabilities and reinforce Dubai's position as a leading global aviation hub. We are pleased to support the development of this landmark facility, which will expand local maintenance capacity, enhance the resilience of the aviation ecosystem and contribute to the UAE's long-term economic growth."

Once operational, the facility will increase aircraft maintenance capacity in the UAE, helping airlines reduce turnaround times while meeting growing demand for aircraft maintenance services. The facility is also expected to create skilled employment opportunities and strengthen the country's aerospace supply chain as operations expand at Al Maktoum International Airport.

Timor Shah Shahab, Chairman of TIM Aerospace, said: “TIM Aerospace is very pleased to announce this agreement with Emirates NBD and see this as a start of a long-term partnership in delivering a global MRO Business at Al Maktoum International Airport in line with the directives to grow the aviation maintenance sector in the UAE. Emirates NBD is one of the UAE's largest banks and is widely regarded as a strong partner for businesses ranging from startups to large corporations. The bank has a strong presence in the UAE market and globally; this was key in our decision-making process when deciding which financial institution to partner with.”

This financing demonstrates Emirates NBD's focus on projects that strengthen the UAE's industrial and transport infrastructure while contributing to long-term economic development. By expanding local aircraft maintenance capacity, the project will support airlines operating across the region and reinforce Dubai's position as a leading global aviation and aerospace hub.