Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader wholly owned by Mubadala, has launched the first certified engine MRO centre in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa regions in Abu Dhabi. This world-class 5,000sqm facility is part of Sanad’s newly inaugurated Leap Engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Centre and marks a crucial partnership between Sanad, GE Aerospace, and Safran Aircraft Engines.

The centre, inaugurated by Mansoor Janahi, the managing director and group CEO of Sanad, will offer advanced technical capabilities and has expanded MRO services to include new-generation CFM International Leap-1A and -1B engines, recognized for reliability and fuel efficiency. Notably, the first Leap engine inducted was from flydubai, and the centre aims to receive over 450 Leap engines for MRO services.

Sanad has made significant enhancements to its Abu Dhabi facility to strengthen its engine MRO capabilities, with an investment exceeding Dh100 million. This venture is expected to create job opportunities and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

John Slattery, chief commercial officer at GE Aerospace, and Nicolas Potier, vice-president of support and services at Safran Aircraft Engines, have both commended the new facility, emphasizing its role in the global Leap open MRO network. Additionally, Mick Hills, chief operating officer at flydubai, expressed confidence in the partnership with Sanad and CFM engines, highlighting the center’s contribution to operational efficiency.

Overall, the inauguration of the Sanad’s Leap MRO centre in Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone for the region’s aviation sector and has the potential to attract global recognition.