Strata Manufacturing, Strata, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with a private French company, Assistance Aeronautique et Aerospatiale, AAA, to collaborate and further contribute to aircraft manufacturing support services and advancement of vital supply chain capabilities.

The MoU was signed by Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata, and Gilles Chauby, CEO of AAA, in the presence of senior management from both organisations on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2017.

Strata, the advanced composite aerostructures manufacturing facility, is wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, Mubadala, and the AAA is a key player in the aerospace industry for on-site operations, working on all civil, military and business aircraft.

Commenting on the MoU, Ali Abdulla said, "With a common vision and shared values, we look forward to working even closer together with AAA to explore opportunities to integrate our commercial interests and develop common projects and joint operations. This partnership will enable our workforce to leverage AAA’s strong product knowledge and supply chain expertise to further develop our products, services and supply chain capabilities in line with global best practices in the aerospace sector.

"We are keen to further investigate the possibility of utilising AAA’s expertise in industrialising work packages. We will also be looking for AAA’s support with specific technical resources to support our upcoming projects."

Chauby said, "The development of the aerospace industry requires strong strategic partnerships such as the one we want to build with Strata. We are, therefore, honoured by the trust Strata is placing in us to support their future projects in the United Arab Emirates, Europe and in the world. Through this agreement, reinforced by a common vision and shared values, AAA will put at the disposal of Strata its aeronautical services enabled by the 3,500 employees based around the world.

He added, "Our experience in manufacturing engineering, production, supply chain, and MRO on most of the civil and military aircraft will be pooled together with Strata’s extended expertise as major aerostructure manufacturer. With this agreement, we will be pleased to address to our two joined networks, which include the major aerospace manufacturers, equipment suppliers and airlines, a common strategy of sustainability, competitiveness, quality and growth.

"The combination of Strata's and AAA's complementary strengths and expertise outlines a partnership full of opportunities for both companies. We are now eager to build on this partnership and begin a strong and long-term collaboration."