EPI and Airbus ink deal for C295 tank production

The deal is for five years

EPI, an Abu Dhabi-based aerospace precision engineering solutions provider, has signed a serial production contract with Airbus Defence and Space to produce C295 Cargo Compartment Removable Tanks (CCRTs) over the next five years.

Airbus manufactures the C295 medium tactical transport aircraft, 300 used worldwide. The C295 CCRTs are designed for versatile applications, including ground refuelling, extended-range missions, and air-to-air refuelling.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone for EPI, the UAE’s Edge Group entity, as it transitions into assembling recognisable subsystems for an aircraft programme.

The deal follows the success of a prototyping phase, during which EPI achieved 12 special process accreditations for aerospace assembly activities. The serial production of the CCRTs will involve integrating over 300 fabricated parts and 16,000 fasteners, as well as critical testing such as the centre of gravity and leak testing.

The partnership is aligned with the UAE’s ‘Make It in the Emirates’ initiative and demonstrates EPI’s commitment to advancing Industry 4.0 practices, boosting economic growth, and driving technological innovation locally and globally. Furthermore, it facilitates significant knowledge transfer and collaboration between Airbus and EPI, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a competitive industrial hub.

The collaborative effort underscores Airbus’ commitment to advancing the defence and aviation sectors while strengthening local industries. The agreement also lays the groundwork for continued collaboration between Airbus and Edge Group, with potential future contributions to projects such as the Airbus A400M aircraft for the UAE.

Michael Deshaies, CEO of EPI, and Anna Jacobs, Head of Assemblies and Materials Commodity at Airbus Defence and Space, formalised the contract. Key stakeholders, including Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Edge Group, and Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, attended the agreement signing ceremony at the EPI facility in Abu Dhabi.

In a statement, Michael Deshaies said: “Our partnership with Airbus Defence and Space to produce the CCRT is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation. Expanding our portfolio by diversifying operations and building dynamic local and international partnerships is central to EPI’s strategy. This collaboration aligns with Edge’s goal to localise advanced technology and industrial capabilities, strengthening the UAE’s competitive position in the global industrial arena.”

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus, added: “This strategic partnership with EPI enhances our commitment to the UAE’s aerospace sector and supports the nation’s long-term vision for economic diversification. Through this collaboration, Airbus aims to contribute to the UAE’s industrial and defence landscape and looks forward to investing in future projects, such as the strategic transport airlifter.”

Featured image: Airbus manufactures the C295 medium tactical transport aircraft. Credit: Airbus