Qatar Airways, Barzan Holdings, and Satys Aerospace Partner to Establish Satys’ New Widebody Aircraft Painting Facility in the Region in Qatar – Travel And Tour World

Qatar Airways has announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Barzan Holdings, and Satys Aerospace, a global specialist in aircraft painting and surface treatment solutions, to establish a pioneering widebody aircraft painting facility at Dukhan Air Base.

This milestone collaboration forms part of a long-term partnership between Qatar Airways, Barzan Holdings, and Satys, aimed at enhancing Qatar’s aviation ecosystem through country capability building, technology transfer, and innovation. The new Qatar facility will be the first widebody Satys paint facility in the region to feature next-generation digital technology aircraft painting.

Designed to accommodate commercial, VIP, and military aircraft, the project will include two widebody paint facilities, including a multipurpose hangar for light maintenance activities. The new facility will serve as a regional hub for airline operators across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, offering access to specialised painting services that reduce aircraft ground time by eliminating the need to ferry aircraft overseas for livery changes or repainting.

The cutting-edge digital technology with future plans for automatic robotic painting leverages environmentally friendly paint systems, including energy-efficient booths and waste management controls.

The facility will also enable dual-use operations, supporting both civil and defence aviation needs by meeting respective technical and safety specifications — in full alignment with Qatar’s strategy to localise high-value services, championing local aerospace expertise.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of Qatar Airways and Barzan Holdings to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by building high-value industrial capabilities, creating skilled jobs and promoting Qatar as a global leader in aviation technology and services.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This partnership delivers strategic aviation infrastructure that serves both our national and regional ambitions. Together with Barzan Holdings and Satys, we are introducing breakthrough technologies by building local capabilities that will define the future of Qatar’s aerospace sector. This facility reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowering Qatari talent.”

Barzan Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Mohammed Bader AlSadah, said: “This strategic agreement reflects our commitment to advancing Qatar’s defence and aerospace capabilities through meaningful, future-focused partnerships. The development of a one-of-its-kind aircraft painting facility in collaboration with Qatar Airways and Satys will position Qatar as a regional centre of excellence while serving both military and civil aviation needs. It also reinforces our dedication to enabling local industry, building specialised skills, and supporting the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Satys Aerospace Chief Executive Officer, Christophe Cador, said: “We are proud of our partnership initiated in 2021 and remain dedicated to delivering our best to the Barzan Holdings and Qatar Airways. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in quality, innovation and turnaround time.”

About Qatar Airways

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways was previously named the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, and has yet again received recognition for ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’. As the leading connector in the region, Qatar Airways has also been lauded with the ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ title for the twelfth time.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the third year in a row, as voted by Skytrax. Hamad International Airport has previously been named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.