DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF), a joint venture between Dubai-based Al-Futtaim and Stuttgart-based DC Aviation Group, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of operations in Dubai. Also, this year, DC Aviation is celebrating its 25th anniversary while the Malta business its 15th year of operation. 

Over the past decade, the company has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of its purpose-built integrated hangar facility with lounge and office areas in September 2013. This made it the first fully integrated business aviation operation at the then-newly opened Al Maktoum International Airport, located at Dubai South. 

Today, DCAF’s facility includes two dedicated hangars, together measuring over 13,500 sqm, with a total land-side plot area of 24,000 sqm and apron area of 13,500 sqm – capable of accommodating business jets of various sizes. The facility also offers 1,300 sqm of exclusive lounge area that provides the highest levels of comfort and privacy, including shower areas, a spacious conference room, covered parking and a contemporary finish. As part of its ongoing commitment to its customers, DCAF recently completed a refurbishment of its VVIP lounges. 

DCAF’s customers can expect high levels of convenience with 24-hour on-site screening facilities, customs and immigration services and immediate access from limousine drop-off to the aircraft parked directly in front of the lounge.

Michael Kuhn, CEO of DC Aviation Group, said, “This is a significant milestone for all of us at DC Aviation and further reaffirms our decision to partner with Al-Futtaim, with whom we have a long-standing relationship. This joint venture has enabled us to create one of the leading business aviation operations in the Middle East and we look forward to continuing to expand our operations and offering our customers the highest levels of service and safety.”

“As we mark our 10th anniversary, we hold great pride in the journey we have taken as a business,” said Holger Ostheimer, Managing Director of DC Aviation Al-Futtaim. “From day one, we were confident in Al Maktoum International Airport’s tremendous potential to develop as a key hub for business and private aviation and thereby enhance the success of Dubai’s aviation industry. We feel privileged to be a partner in the continuous progress of the UAE’s expanding aviation industry and look forward to continuing to serve our clients with the best-in-class services.”

DCAF obtained its Aircraft Operator certificate in 2015 and is EASA part 145 certified, offering both line and base maintenance. The company recently received the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Stage 3 certification for its Aircraft and Passenger Handling Services as part of its Fixed Base Operations (FBO) located at Dubai South, making it one of only two FBOs in the Middle East and one of 27 organisations globally to attain this highest level of safety standard established by IS-BAH. This certification verifies that safety management activities are fully integrated into the business and that a positive safety culture is being sustained. DCAF received its Stage 1 certification in May 2019 and Stage 2 in January 2021. 

On the maintenance side, the company is approved to provide the entire maintenance scope for the A320 family, Bombardier Global Express/XRS/500, Bombardier Challenger 604/605, Global 6000 and Global 5000 Vision Flight Deck type aircraft. Recently, the company added wheel shop capability at its facility in Dubai South.

In April 2016, DCAF received its CAR145 approval from UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, allowing them to provide maintenance services for the Bombardier Global Express and Challenger 604/605 type aircraft. The following year, it received an extension to its CAR145 approval to provide line maintenance for the Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft type. 

DCAF currently manages 11 aircraft from its base at Dubai South.