emirates7 - Sanad, a global leader in aerospace engineering and leasing solutions, has announced an expansion of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to include the CFM LEAP-1A engine. This development reinforces Sanad’s status as the foremost engine MRO provider in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, enhancing its influence in global aviation and its role as a key partner for leading engine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
This announcement coincides with the first anniversary of Sanad’s LEAP Engine MRO center, inaugurated in 2023 as the SAMENA region’s first certified facility for LEAP engines. Over the past year, the center has achieved remarkable success, servicing more than 25 LEAP-1B engines for major CFM Services clients, including flydubai and Oman Air, through agreements with CFM parent companies Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.
Building on this success, Sanad’s expanded capabilities now include servicing LEAP-1A engines for Airbus A320neo family aircraft, extending its operational impact and market reach.
This growth is underpinned by investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced high-pressure turbine (HPT) capabilities, which will enable full piece-part disassembly for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines by early 2025. These enhancements will improve turnaround times while maintaining high service and technical support standards for regional operators.
Sanad has further supported its expansion by hiring 20 skilled professionals and conducting over 1,000 hours of specialized training, reflecting its commitment to workforce development. The first LEAP-1A engine was inducted from Air Arabia under agreements with CFM, marking the airline’s adoption of Sanad’s services and underscoring its leadership as the first MRO provider for LEAP-1A engines in the MENA region.
Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala's UAE Investments Platform, stated, "Sanad’s expansion solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub by integrating advanced technology with a focus on human capital development, aligning with the UAE’s vision for economic growth and innovation."
Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, emphasized the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality, comprehensive MRO solutions, highlighting the expanded capabilities as a testament to its collaboration with GE Aerospace and Safran.
Nicolas Potier, Vice President of Support and Services at Safran Aircraft Engines, praised Sanad’s rapid success and its contributions to the global LEAP MRO ecosystem, emphasizing the significance of the company’s investments in advanced HPT overhaul capabilities.
Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, expressed pride in being the launch customer for Sanad’s LEAP-1A services.
Looking forward, Sanad plans to overhaul more than 450 LEAP engines over the next 11 years to support the growing fleets of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the region. These engines, celebrated for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and lower emissions, align with the aviation industry’s global sustainability goals.
This announcement coincides with the first anniversary of Sanad’s LEAP Engine MRO center, inaugurated in 2023 as the SAMENA region’s first certified facility for LEAP engines. Over the past year, the center has achieved remarkable success, servicing more than 25 LEAP-1B engines for major CFM Services clients, including flydubai and Oman Air, through agreements with CFM parent companies Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.
Building on this success, Sanad’s expanded capabilities now include servicing LEAP-1A engines for Airbus A320neo family aircraft, extending its operational impact and market reach.
This growth is underpinned by investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced high-pressure turbine (HPT) capabilities, which will enable full piece-part disassembly for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines by early 2025. These enhancements will improve turnaround times while maintaining high service and technical support standards for regional operators.
Sanad has further supported its expansion by hiring 20 skilled professionals and conducting over 1,000 hours of specialized training, reflecting its commitment to workforce development. The first LEAP-1A engine was inducted from Air Arabia under agreements with CFM, marking the airline’s adoption of Sanad’s services and underscoring its leadership as the first MRO provider for LEAP-1A engines in the MENA region.
Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala's UAE Investments Platform, stated, "Sanad’s expansion solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub by integrating advanced technology with a focus on human capital development, aligning with the UAE’s vision for economic growth and innovation."
Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, emphasized the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality, comprehensive MRO solutions, highlighting the expanded capabilities as a testament to its collaboration with GE Aerospace and Safran.
Nicolas Potier, Vice President of Support and Services at Safran Aircraft Engines, praised Sanad’s rapid success and its contributions to the global LEAP MRO ecosystem, emphasizing the significance of the company’s investments in advanced HPT overhaul capabilities.
Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, expressed pride in being the launch customer for Sanad’s LEAP-1A services.
Looking forward, Sanad plans to overhaul more than 450 LEAP engines over the next 11 years to support the growing fleets of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the region. These engines, celebrated for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and lower emissions, align with the aviation industry’s global sustainability goals.