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Sanad, GE Aerospace, and Safran Expand CFM LEAP Engine Overhaul and Testing in Abu Dhabi

Sanad, GE Aerospace, and Safran Expand CFM LEAP Engine Overhaul and Testing in Abu Dhabi
Sanad, a global leader in aerospace engineering and leasing solutions owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, has announced a major expansion of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for CFM International’s LEAP engines. In partnership with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, this initiative aims to support the growing international airline base operating the world’s most in-demand narrow-body engine family.
Expansion of Capabilities and Strategic Importance
The expansion involves significant enhancements to Sanad’s infrastructure and the creation of 140 new jobs, further establishing the UAE as a prominent global aerospace hub. Since 2023, Sanad has completed over 35 maintenance visits for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines and is on track to achieve full in-house testing capabilities for both variants by the fourth quarter of 2025. This development will enable comprehensive overhauls, performance validation, and faster turnaround times, strengthening Sanad’s end-to-end MRO offering.
Under the new agreement, Sanad will extend its services to include full overhaul capabilities for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines. This expansion aligns with the rapid growth of the narrow-body aircraft segment, which is projected to constitute over 75% of the future global commercial fleet. The LEAP engine powers two of the most sought-after aircraft in this category: the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo families. Sanad’s enhanced capabilities will provide comprehensive lifecycle support for the expanding LEAP engine fleet, delivering overhaul, repair, and testing services from its advanced Abu Dhabi facilities. This positions the company to meet evolving airline needs, optimize engine availability, and reinforce the UAE’s leadership in high-value aerospace services.
Industry Challenges and Global MRO Developments
The expansion occurs amid ongoing industry challenges related to engine durability. The LEAP engine has faced initial durability concerns, prompting CFM to develop a -1B fix and incorporate key learnings from these issues. GE Aerospace, co-owner of CFM, is intensifying its focus on durability through extensive testing, including dust-ingestion tests for the GE9X engine. These efforts reflect broader industry trends, as competitors such as Pratt & Whitney also address durability challenges, resulting in increased regulatory scrutiny and FAA inspections.
The global MRO ecosystem for LEAP engines is evolving rapidly. Turkish Technic is currently in discussions with CFM to establish a LEAP engine repair hub in Istanbul, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines to produce LEAP engine parts in India. These developments underscore the industry’s commitment to enhancing engine reliability and supporting the growing demand for LEAP-powered aircraft.
Statements from Industry Leaders and Investment Plans
Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, emphasized that the expansion “reflects Sanad’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, technical expertise, and outstanding service excellence.” Alan Kelly, General Manager of CFM LEAP Engine Services at GE Aerospace, highlighted the benefits for regional carriers and the broader MRO ecosystem, noting that “Middle Eastern carriers will benefit from local capability, and the additional capacity will support the wider industry.” Nicolas Potier, Vice President of Support & Services for Safran Aircraft Engines, remarked that the collaboration demonstrates how the MRO ecosystem for LEAP engines “continues to grow and mature.”
To support this expansion, Sanad will invest in infrastructure, tooling, equipment, and operational capabilities within its existing MRO and test cell facilities in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global aerospace industry.

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