Emirates creates a leader in Engine Test Cells

At an investment of $45m, the Emirates Engine Test Cell, built on a 24,000 square metre site, will have the capability to prepare, maintain and test a large spectrum of jet engines and auxiliary power units (APU) such as the General Electric GE90-115B engine, the Engine Alliance GP7200, and the Rolls-Royce Trent 500, 700, and 800 engine series as well as the Honeywell GTCP331-350, GTCP331-500 and GTCP331-600 auxiliary power units.

The cell, with a capacity to process 500 engine and APU tests per year, is ideally located in Al Awir. The aesthetically-pleasing, environmentally-friendly and efficient test centre was designed to meet all stringent regulations for noise, emissions and waste management, in addition to all safety and environmental requirements.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates' Executive Vice President, Engineering and Operations said: "Emirates is delighted to have established one of the most efficient engine test facilities that will not only serve our current and future requirements, but also those of the region. Looking at future industry requirements, the facility has been built to test engines with thrust levels of up to 150,000 pounds, far in excess of what manufacturers produce today or are planning for the foreseeable future."

"I am confident the Emirates Engine Test Cell will set the standards of excellence in the aero engine testing industry."

Al Redha added: "Previously, engines were assembled at our engine workshop and subsequently transported to the Far East for testing. This increased the turnaround time and reduced the number of spare engines available for aircraft use at our Dubai hub. The opening of Emirates' very own engine test cell will ensure adequate availability of engines to support our fleet's growing requirements and will also result in significant cost savings."

The cell has been designed and constructed by General Electric International Inc., Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Aero System Engineering, and Group 5 Construction - all leaders in their respective fields.

The engine preparation area, covering 3250 square metres, is dedicated to six engine work stations, each served by 30 tonne cranes. The system is interconnected by monorail with a bridge and turntable which links the preparation area to the test cell chamber, making internal engine movement easier to achieve.

The APU has a dedicated test cell and workshop preparation area supported by a bridge crane system.

"GE is very pleased to participate in the inaugural ceremony of the Emirates Engine Test Cell," said Muhammad Al-Lamadani, Regional Sales General Manager for GE Aviation.

"Emirates and GE have developed a strong relationship and we are thrilled to have actively participated with Emirates in the design and construction of this outstanding state-of-the-art facility."

"Burns & McDonnell is honoured to have been selected by GE and Emirates for this project. Backed by proven experience in the design and delivery of jet engine test cells and supported by industry partners worldwide, we have successfully built one of the most advanced test cells in the aviation industry," added Michael Roark, Principal, Burns & McDonnell.

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