Qatar Airways has opened a new 9,000sq ft engine facility as it aims to streamline the cost of its technical maintenance operations by more than US$2.2 million per year.

The new facility is located in the Qatar Airways Technical Maintenance complex and is expected to enable the airline to improve workflow by over 1,800 man hours per month, or 23,400 man hours per year.

This will be achieved by centralising Qatar Airways’ engine production and engine parts storage processes, increasing the number of its engine production lines from four to eight covering a variety of aircraft engine types.

In addition, the facility can house a total of 80 engines of varying sizes in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. Two specialist ‘dust control’ rooms limit the presence of dust and harmful particles, while a dedicated supply chain area aims to minimise waiting times for the ordering and transportation of spare parts.

“This achievement will boost the ongoing growth of the aviation industry in Qatar and contribute to localising that major industry,” said Minister of Transport and Communications His Excellency Mr. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti. “This event also keeps pace with the remarkable development in the transportation sector in the country in light of the upsurge in development.”

Qatar Airways’ group chief executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker commented: “The continuous improvement and expansion of our technical maintenance facilities is a key element in supporting the airline’s ongoing efforts to rebuild our global network to more than 140 destinations by the summer peak season.

“With the new engine facility, we have not only created one of the most technologically-advanced engine assembly and disassembly facilities available within the commercial aviation industry to date, but also doubled our engine production capabilities.

“The facility’s extensive dedicated supply chain area also means that we have instant access to a ready supply of engine parts and equipment, reducing our reliance on external suppliers and further supporting the reliability and technical capability of Qatar Airways’ fleet of next-generation aircraft.”