There has been a lot of talk about smart manufacturing and additive manufacturing for aerospace. How do you see these developing and shaping the future of the aerospace industry?
Smart and additive technologies are impacting every aspect of manufacturing in this 4th industrial revolution era and aerospace is no exception.
Strata is marking its 10th anniversary in November, a decade of pioneering successes that has steered the UAE’s capabilities as an aerostructures manufacturing hub. In our second decade roadmap, Strata will build on first decade successes to secure the company as integral to the global aerospace supply chain and a highly competitive player through the rapid adoption of world-class technology, including robotics and AI.
We have already embraced advance technology methods at our Al Ain plant. One of our latest programmes – the Airbus A350-900 inboard flap components – requires us to manufacture the component using Automatic Tape Laying (ATL) machines. The machines facilitate significantly reduced production time through the adoption of automated layup and ultrasonic cutting technology. Also, this year, through a collaboration with UAE-based DGWorld (Digi Robotics Technologies), we are working on implementing a robotics system within our manufacturing processes to automate our operations assembly unit, including drilling, reaming and countersinking – activities that are critical in the production of aircraft components.
It is only through the quick adoption of cutting-edge technologies and solutions that Strata will advance within the highly competitive global aerospace sector. Incubating advanced technologies with the support of our industry partners is key to enhancing our value proposition. Our innovation commitment is evident by the research and development being progressed in our dedicated Aerospace Research and Innovation Centre; a collaboration between Khalifa University and Strata. The centre focuses on advancing breakthrough technologies to drive long-term competitiveness. A key part of the work and research undertaken is to ensure that the projects are tailored to fit the requirements and needs of both Strata and its customers.
Current R&D projects being advanced include additive manufacturing, robotic assembly of aircraft structures, advanced inspection techniques through thermography, and optimisation of the processing and machining of composite parts.
This is all aligned to the UAE centennial 2071 which seeks to invest in the future generations, by preparing them with the skills and knowledge needed to face rapid changes and to make the UAE the best country in the world. The purpose of initiating Strata in Al Ain was to establish a technologically advanced industry and provide high value, long-term employment, training and development opportunities to the local workforce. Another purpose behind the company’s establishment was to contribute to the diversification plan of Abu Dhabi’s resources.
What other technologies do you predict will impact the aerospace manufacturing industry most in the next five years?
The future of aerospace manufacturing is digital and will lead to the emergence of smart factories which is why we are investing in ensuring Strata is capable of providing required services and products to our current and future clients. This includes next generation technology such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics that will deliver huge shareholder, customer and employee value.
I believe there are three main areas that companies should focus on when it comes to the development and growth of the aerospace sector. Those areas include Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Smart Workforce.
Advanced Materials has played a vital role in the growth and evolution of the aerospace sector around the globe. The rising trend of reducing overall aircraft weight and improving fuel efficiency is a major element in driving the use of advanced composites including carbon. The use of composites reduces the weight of an aircraft, and the material has a high tolerance to potential damages that could occur in an aircraft. For example, the new generation aircrafts such as the A350 and B787 are made of more than 53% composites. New materials are always emerging and undergo various testing and qualification processes, this is nothing but a testament to the continuous scientific development that we are witnessing every day around the globe.
On the other hand, Advanced Manufacturing is revolutionizing the way businesses are conducting day-to-day operations by increasing the competitive advantage of those manufacturing companies.
For us, 3D printing is a particularly exciting technology that continues to evolve. The technology is a disruptive innovation that is revolutionizing the sector. In 2017, Strata partnered with Siemens AG and Etihad Airways to develop the first 3D-printed parts for aircraft interiors in the Middle East and North Africa. In the near future, passengers flying with the Abu Dhabi carrier will be able to see the TV screen housings that were printed within our factory in Al Ain.
A company’s workforce is its greatest asset, we have invested heavily in the development of our people to make sure that we attract and maintain top talents who will contribute in shaping the aerospace industry in the United Arab Emirates. With the establishment of Strata, the role Aero-structure Technician emerged in the city of Al Ain. As a result, more than 300 Emiratis were trained and qualified to manufacture aircraft parts for Airbus and Boeing. Currently, our Emirati workforce represent 58% of Strata’s population, out of which 87% are females. The company have also collaborated with Boeing to develop and train more than 20 Emirati engineers, those engineers undergo a specialized training program at Boeing’s facility for 8 months in order to gain extensive knowledge about the aerospace industry.
Technologies, such as block chain, will help improve transparency and automate transactions among supply chain partners. Not only this, but it will be a key driver in improving efficiencies that will improve production within the manufacturing supply chain.
You have achieved incredible growth since the company was formed less than a decade ago. How does being based in the UAE benefit you in the Middle East market?
Being a UAE company gives us a number of benefits. It is a national pride in contributing to the success of our country’s development positioning the UAE as a global hub for aerospace and aviation.
The sustainability and growth of the aviation sector is one of the key indicators to the economic success of countries. The UAE government realised the importance of the aviation sector decades ago, and as a result; international airports were developed, opportunities were created to international aviation companies and world-class aviation infrastructure were created. The UAE’s geographic location contributes to linking the East and West, making us an international aviation hub and providing ultimate logistical services.
Why is it important for you to be at the Dubai Airshow?
Dubai Airshow provides a platform for international aerospace experts and professionals to connect and share the latest trends, innovations and news within the industry. During the Airshow, we aim to demonstrate to the world Strata’s growth and achievements over the past decade. Since our inception back in 2009, we have made it our ultimate goal to become an integral part of the global aerospace value chain. I’m proud to share that by the end of 2019, we will be celebrating the increase of our work packages, customer’s base and finally the diversification of our business portfolio by establishing a new joint venture to manufacture composite materials next to our existing composite aircraft manufacturer facility in Al Ain.
Since our first presence at Dubai Airshow back in 2009, we have used the show to seal a number of high-profile deals that have drawn the global industry’s attention to our capabilities. For instance, at the 2009 Dubai Airshow, Boeing and Mubadala signed a Strategic Framework Agreement to develop mutually beneficial initiatives in areas of strategic mutual alignment, including composites manufacturing and people development. During Dubai Airshow 2011, our parent company, Mubadala, signed an agreement with Boeing, which established Strata as its Tier 1 supplier. Two years later, at the Dubai Airshow 2013, key long-term strategic agreements were signed with Airbus and Boeing by Mubadala on behalf of Strata. At Dubai Airshow 2015, Strata announced the establishment of the Research and Development unit, with the aim of enhancing Strata’s competitiveness in the global aerospace supply chain. Finally, at Dubai Airshow 2017, Strata announced the delivery its first set of A350-900 inboard flaps to Airbus; a program that expanded Strata’s manufacturing capabilities using automation and robotics.
What are your objectives for the Dubai Airshow? Can you tell us anything about what you are looking to achieve at the 2019 show?
We hope to progress important partnership discussions with a number of regional and international organisations and look forward to making a major announcement about product diversification, I can’t reveal any more than that at the moment, but I can say it will be exciting news.
What do you look for from suppliers at the Dubai Airshow? Do you have any specific requirements for 2019 that you can discuss?
Strata aims to build partnerships with companies that are investing and focusing on Industry 4.0 and the massive contribution and benefit it brings to the manufacturing sector. This will include companies with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.
We are also interested in meeting companies that are specialized in the manufacturing and technology sector as we believe there are various development and collaborative opportunities in that area.