Sanad Unveils Plans for $130M Engine Repair Centre in Al Ain by 2030

Sanad, a subsidiary of the Mubadala Investment Company, has unveiled its plan to establish a state-of-the-art Aircraft Engine Repair Centre of Excellence in Al Ain, with an investment of AED480 million ($130 million). This initiative was announced during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 event and signifies a significant stride in Sanad’s ambitions for global outreach.

This cutting-edge facility aims to enhance Sanad’s capabilities in aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) amid rising global demands for engine repair services. The center is designed to expedite repair timelines, broaden service capacity, and cater to airline operators on both regional and international fronts.

Currently, Sanad serves over 80 clients worldwide. In 2025, the company expanded its customer base by adding 24 airlines and enhancing its services across both traditional and next-generation aircraft engines. Engine inductions are projected to surge in the next decade, increasing from 230 in 2025 to beyond 500 annually by 2035.

Sanad acknowledges that the global MRO landscape is evolving, driven by advancements in engine technologies and the airline industry's growing demand for swift, efficient repair solutions. They assert that enhanced repair capabilities will provide a significant competitive edge within the aviation sector.

In 2025 alone, Sanad evaluated over 43,000 engine parts and repaired upwards of 19,000 components, effectively servicing 230 engines across five platforms. Once the new Repair Centre of Excellence becomes fully operational, it is expected to escalate repair volumes to approximately 65,000 parts per year.

The facility, covering around 17,600 square metres, is anticipated to be completed by 2030. It will consolidate repair operations for major engine platforms such as Trent 700, V2500, LEAP, GEnx, and GTF engines within one integrated system.

Sanad emphasized that this purpose-built facility will enable the company to manage more repairs internally, enhance operational efficiency, and facilitate long-term business growth. Additionally, it will allow the company to generate more revenue by providing specialized repair services to airlines and other MRO entities.

Upon completion, Sanad is anticipated to become the sole independent MRO provider in the MENA region with repair capabilities at this considerable scale.

This project is poised to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s overall industrial and aviation aspirations by fostering a dedicated aerospace ecosystem in the Al Ain area. The initiative is expected to generate over 350 jobs, with a strong emphasis on cultivating Emirati talent and aligning with the UAE’s economic diversification objectives.

Mansoor Janahi remarked that repairs have become a critical focus within engine MRO. He noted that the new facility will not only streamline turnaround times but also bolster local value and support Sanad’s goal of becoming a leading MRO provider on a global scale.