Dubai, UAE, December 28, 2016:  Etihad Airways Engineering and Lantal Textiles AG have launched the first Flammability Test Laboratory in the Middle East, for regional customers within the aviation industry, including VIP operators, MRO organisations, design and production organisations as well as cabin interior suppliers.

Located inside the Etihad Airways Engineering facility adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport, the new Lantal laboratory will provide test services that include flammability tests, seat cushion tests, heat release and smoke tests. 

The laboratory will conform to ISO 17025 quality management standards, and all testing will be conducted in accordance with the Airworthiness Regulations FAR / CS 25.853. 

Jeff Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways Engineering, said: “We offer industry leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions to customers from all over the world for all major commercial aircraft types. Through our partnership with Lantal, it is now easier and faster for aviation customers in the region to access world-class flammability testing at our facility in Abu Dhabi.” 

Dr. Urs Rickenbacher, Chief Executive Officer of Lantal said: 'The Lantal flammability test lab in Switzerland is well-known for its high quality standards and short lead times. We have a significant market share in Europe and our new lab in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Etihad Airways Engineering, will now bring our service closer to customers in the Middle East.'

Photo caption: At the launch of the Lantal Flammability Test Lab at Etihad Airways Engineering in Abu Dhabi, are: (left to right) Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways; Dr. Urs Rickenbacher, Chief Executive Officer, Lantal; Bernhard Randerath, Vice President, Design, Engineering and Innovation, Etihad Airways Engineering; Heiko Nüssel, Partner, Executive Vice President, Compliance and Certification, Lantal; Shevantha Weerasekera, Head of Engineering, Etihad Airways Engineering; Jeff Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways Engineering; Jürg Metz, Swiss Consul.