Air Arabia, announced today it completed the first in-house C "check” of an Airbus A320 aircraft at the airline’s new hangar at Sharjah International Airport.

The new facility can accommodate up to an Airbus A321, built on a land area of 1502 sq meters. Designed to provide aircraft maintenance, engineering support and services from A up to C3checks; equipped to handle batteries, painting, sanding, composite materials, sheet metal, brakes, wheels, appearance and non-destructive testing.

Currently staffed by 165 mechanics, engineers and support staff. While Air Arabia anticipates the hangar to employ 500 staff by 2017. The facility was inaugurated in October 2011 by the  Ruler of Sharjah,

“The first in-house maintenance of one of our aircraft is a major milestone in Air Arabia’s journey,” commented 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.”

Source: Air Arabia