Abu Dhabi-based Strata Manufacturing, the advanced composite aero-structures manufacturing facility wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, is celebrating delivery of its first shipset of belly fairings for the PC-24, a twin-engine business jet produced by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland, said a report.

The delivery of the first shipset follows the two companies’ landmark agreement signed during Abu Dhabi Global Aerospace Summit in April 2018, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

The long-term agreement between the two companies aims to position Strata as the sole supplier in manufacturing composite shipsets for the PC-24 in the region.

Pilatus’ new class of bespoke business jet is specifically engineered to take-off and land from unpaved runways, with incredible short-field performance, bringing unparalleled access to traditionally inaccessible-by-air locations.

The Belly Fairing is made-up of 25 sub-assemblies and is designed to reduce drag on the Swiss aircraft manufacturer’s flagship business jet.

Ismail Ali Abdulla, chief executive officer, Strata, said: “In our endeavour to expand our capabilities and business portfolio from the city of Al Ain, we are proud to partner with Pilatus Aircraft – one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.”

“The new partnership is testament to Strata’s credibility and capability in the aerospace sector. In less than a decade, the company has grown its customer portfolio from one to seven customers,” he said.

“The company’s advanced technological operations and growing local capabilities underline our commitment to venture into new territories and explore opportunities which drive our global business forward with specialised parts made with pride in the UAE,” he added.

Fredy Glarner, vice president manufacturing at Pilatus Aircraft, said: “The delivery of the first complete PC-24 Belly Fairing shipset in just eight months after contract signature in April last year is a very significant milestone that demonstrates the capabilities and performance of Strata.”

“We are extremely satisfied, and we look forward to continue to strengthen the relationship with Strata and the UAE, in order to grow Abu Dhabi’s status as an international hub for the aerospace industry in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. Work on the subsequent packages is also already progressing and we currently plan to launch the second PC-24 composites package early 2019,” he added.