United Aerospace Maintenance Company (UAMCO) Ltd has secured planning permission for a specialised aircraft engine test cell facility in the Aradippou industrial zone, marking a further step in Cyprus’ efforts to strengthen its role in aviation maintenance and support services. 

The approval paves the way for the expansion of UAMCO’s activities on the island, where the company already operates maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. 

The new facility will be used to test, evaluate and certify aircraft engines under controlled conditions after maintenance work has been completed. Such test cells are considered a key part of the aviation maintenance ecosystem, as they allow engines to be checked before returning to service. 

According to the company, the project will also introduce a technological innovation for the wider Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia region. 

The facility is expected to be the first of its kind in the EMEAA region to operate without the use of overhead cranes. Instead, UAMCO will use an advanced automated engine-manoeuvring system known as “Spider”, designed to improve safety and operational efficiency during testing procedures. 

The test cell will have the capacity to test around 250 aircraft engines per year. 

As part of the project, UAMCO will procure specialised high-tech equipment from global aerospace group Safran. 

The development will also involve Cypriot companies with long-standing experience in the sector. The architectural and mechanical design has been assigned to DMA Architects-Engineers, a Larnaca-based firm with more than 40 years of presence. 

The main construction works will be carried out by GECO Constructions, which has specialised in metal constructions since 2005. 

The project is expected to strengthen UAMCO’s operational capacity, while also supporting Cyprus’ wider effort to establish itself as a regional hub for specialised aviation services and infrastructure.