Aviation Sector: A Keystone In UAE's Economic Expansion With Sanad Leading The Charge

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, recently visited Sanad, a global leader in aerospace engineering and leasing solutions. Sanad is wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company PJSC and is located on the campus of Zayed International Airport. The company is the region’s largest independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provider.

During his visit, Dr. Al Zeyoudi was welcomed by Ismail Ali Abdullah, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala Investment Company, and Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad. Senior leaders and Sanad’s engineering and technical employees were also present.

Sanad serves a multitude of flagship clients from global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and more than 30 airlines. These include Etihad Airways, American Airlines, Fly Dubai, Saudia Airlines, and Asiana Airlines. Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasised the significant contribution the aviation sector makes to the UAE’s growth by facilitating tourism, trade, and investment flows.

He highlighted that Sanad is one of the promising UAE companies in the aviation sector, playing a vital role in the growth of the UAE’s non-oil exports. "Connectivity is one of the cornerstones of the UAE’s economic ambitions," said Dr. Al Zeyoudi. He observed Sanad's capabilities in engine maintenance, financing, leasing, air traffic management, and airport security.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi praised Sanad’s operational excellence and commercial achievements. He commended the significant contributions of the company’s Emirati talent, who constitute about 30% of Sanad’s workforce. These employees are integral to supporting the UAE’s development goals in the aviation industry.

Sanad plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s foreign trade, with more than 90% of its revenues generated from outside the UAE. The company aims to bolster investment and continue its strategic partnerships with major global industry leaders.

Global Expansion Strategy

Sanad’s global expansion strategy is currently focused on African and East Asian markets. This strategy will positively impact contract values and UAE foreign trade. In 2023, Sanad maintained 142 engines across four engine types – IAE V2500, GE Aerospace GEnx, Rolls-Royce Trent 700, and CFM International LEAP – marking the highest number in its history.

In 2024, Sanad aims to service around 170 engines and anticipates adding a new maintenance line. The company expects to service over 200 engines in Abu Dhabi by 2025.

The visit underscores Sanad's role in reinforcing Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as an influential global hub for the aviation industry.

With inputs from WAM