Sanad, a global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions provider owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, has partnered with GE Aerospace to strengthen the UAE’s aerospace talent pool. This collaboration aims to tackle the anticipated increase in global demand for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) professionals, with the sector projected to reach $169 billion by 2037.

Sanad has invested over AED 100 million in its Abu Dhabi facility to enhance its advanced engine MRO capabilities. The center covers 5 000 square meters, contributing to a total of 30 000 square meters on Sanad’s Abu Dhabi campus. This expansion not only boosts the company’s technical capabilities but also solidifies Abu Dhabi’s status as a prominent global aviation hub.

The partnership with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, which was formalized at the Paris Air Show in June 2023, has significantly expanded Sanad’s MRO services to include the next-generation CFM International LEAP-1A and -1B engines. These engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft, are well-known for their remarkable reliability and fuel efficiency.

Sanad’s LEAP Engine MRO Center commenced operations within a month of signing the agreement and successfully completed the MRO process on the first LEAP engine from flydubai just four months later. This swift operationalization highlights Sanad’s dedication to excellence and efficiency in establishing top-tier MRO capabilities.

The center operates with a specialized team of technical and engineering experts who utilize advanced MRO technologies. Sanad’s engineers and technicians have received intensive training programs with GE Aerospace, equipping them with essential skills for tasks such as Rotor Drive System and Inlet Gear Box quick turnaround, borescope inspection, and overall familiarization.

This initiative not only promotes the operational efficiency of LEAP engines but also helps to minimize the carbon footprint associated with transporting engines outside the region for maintenance. By providing in-country solutions, the partnership aligns with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.

The LEAP engine’s popularity has surged, with a backlog exceeding 10 000 engines, largely due to its innovative design aimed at reducing carbon emissions in air transport. Sanad’s enhanced capabilities position it to satisfy the increasing demand for MRO services for the LEAP engine, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global aviation hub.

In addition to the LEAP Engine MRO Center, Sanad has broadened its global partnerships, including a strategic agreement with Airbus to deliver MRO services for engines that power Airbus single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. This collaboration further establishes Sanad as a preferred global partner and a significant player in the aerospace industry.

Sanad’s commitment to workforce development is evident through its focus on training and upskilling local talent. The company has launched multi-tiered training programs designed to cultivate local expertise, combining classroom instruction in aviation principles with practical experience in its facilities. This approach supports the UAE’s broader objectives of economic diversification and the development of a knowledge-based economy.