Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it has completed its first in-house maintenance of Airbus A320 aircraft. The “C check” was carried out at the airline’s new state-of-the-art hangar at Sharjah International Airport, which has been designed to meet all the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) requirements and regulations for the airline’s ever growing fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.

Inaugurated last October by H.H Ruler of Sharjah, the new facility enables Air Arabia to provide appropriate level of engineering support as well as aircraft maintenance inspections from A checks up to C3. Built on a land area of 1502 sq meters, the new hanger also allows Air Arabia to offer maintenance services to other aircrafts across the globe.

“The first in-house maintenance of one of our aircraft is a major milestone in Air Arabia’s journey,” said Adel Ali, Board Member & Group CEO of Air Arabia. “This capability will allow the airline to maintain its rapidly growing fleet with state-of-the art facility and a team of world class expertise, as the airline continues to expand its route network.”

The “C check” is a periodic aircraft maintenance and inspection service, which is required to be carried out every 14 months to ensure the safety, performance and reliability of commercial aircraft.

Air Arabia hanger can accommodate an aircraft up to the size of an Airbus A321 and it is fully equipped to handle batteries, painting, sanding, composite materials and sheet metal, brakes, wheels, appearance and non-destructive testing. The new hanger supplements the line maintenance support already provided in Sharjah and multiple destinations. This enhancement has also created employment benefits for the area along with all of the associated support given by sub-contracted companies, for the supply of equipment and materials. Currently staffed by 165 skilled professionals, the Air Arabia hangar is anticipated to employ 500 staff by 2017.