GE Aerospace has announced plans to invest an additional $10 million in the Middle East, aimed at strengthening the region’s manufacturing capabilities and meeting rising demand for engine services. The new investment is part of the company’s global $1 billion commitment to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations, unveiled in 2024.

The funds will be directed toward expanding GE Aerospace’s hubs in Dubai and Doha. The company also plans to grow its workforce in the region by 30%, alongside exploring other investment opportunities. The announcement was made during the MRO Middle East summit in Dubai on Monday.

Aziz Koleilat, GE Aerospace’s regional president and CEO, emphasized the importance of enhancing MRO capabilities to meet the ambitious growth plans of local airlines. The company aims to support airlines in keeping their engines running efficiently, particularly as demand for air travel in the region continues to surge.

The Middle East aviation sector has seen significant growth, with regional airlines posting the highest global profit per passenger in 2024, at $21.10, according to the International Air Transport Association (Iata). Passenger demand also rose by 9.4% annually, contributing to record-breaking global traffic levels last year.

GE Aerospace’s investment will enable quicker maintenance tasks closer to regional airline hubs and expand work on CFM Leap engines, which are widely used in the area. Currently, over 750 Leap-1A and Leap-1B engines are operated by more than 20 airlines across the Middle East, Turkey, and the CIS.

The company is also preparing its facilities to service the GE9X engine, the largest and most powerful jet engine globally, which will power Boeing’s 777X aircraft. The Middle East represents the biggest market for GE9X engine orders.

Additionally, GE Aerospace plans to enhance training programs by equipping facilities with a fully operational training engine. This will help onboard and certify new employees more efficiently, further strengthening the region’s aviation workforce.