New agreement secures approximately 40,000 sqm of dedicated space for Sanad’s engine MRO operations at the Etihad Engineering facility adjacent to Zayed International Airport
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – February 4, 2026: Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and asset management leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), announced the renewal of its long-term lease agreement with Etihad Engineering, one of the world’s leading providers of comprehensive aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions, and a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group.
Signed by Baha Salama, General Manager of Aviation and Aero Engine MRO at Sanad, and Daniel Hoffmann, CEO of Etihad Engineering, in the presence of Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, and Mahmood Al Hameli, Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Aviation, the agreement secures approximately 40,000 sqm of land and facilities at Etihad Engineering’s state-of-the-art 550,000 sqm MRO facility adjacent to Zayed International Airport, home to Sanad’s engine MRO operation in the capital Abu Dhabi.
This strategic arrangement strengthens the deep-rooted partnership between two of Abu Dhabi’s leading aviation champions and reinforces their shared commitment to advancing the emirate’s long-term aerospace ambitions. As Sanad enters its next phase of growth, expanding capacity, capabilities, and workforce across both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the agreement ensures long-term operational continuity at its historic base of over 38 years.
Sanad will continue operating its engine MRO operations, where it maintains LEAP, GEnx, V2500, and Trent 700 engines for over 55 global airlines and leading engine OEM partners. The secured footprint provides the physical capacity needed to increase engine inductions, scale future capabilities, and expand high-skilled technical teams.
A Consolidated National MRO Platform
The agreement comes as Sanad progresses its major expansion in Al Ain, including the new GTF Engine MRO Center and advanced test cell complex. Together, the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain facilities form a consolidated, UAE-wide engine MRO platform, enhancing capacity, strengthening supply chain resilience, and accelerating the development of specialized technical talent.
Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad said: “This long-term agreement reflects our long-standing partnership with Etihad Engineering and reinforces Sanad’s unwavering commitment to Abu Dhabi. As we scale our capabilities in Al Ain, our Abu Dhabi base remains integral to our operations and our people. The renewal of our lease supports the expansion of our engine capacity, growing our workforce, and delivering world-class MRO solutions from Abu Dhabi to the world. Together, we are supporting a future-ready aerospace ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi firmly on the global aviation map.”
Mahmood Al Hameli, Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Aviation added: “This agreement demonstrates the value of close collaboration between two leading aviation organizations in Abu Dhabi. Sanad’s continued presence at the Etihad Engineering facility, adjacent to Zayed International Airport, strengthens our combined technical capabilities and supports the emirate’s long-term aerospace strategy. We are proud to continue working alongside Sanad as they grow their global MRO footprint from their home base in Abu Dhabi.”
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Aerospace Future
This agreement directly contributes to Abu Dhabi’s vision for a stronger, more advanced aerospace future. By securing long-term access to critical operational space at Zayed International Airport, Sanad is empowered to expand its capacity, scale its engine programs, and grow its highly skilled workforce. The enhanced infrastructure supports next-generation engine MRO and enables deeper integration with Etihad Engineering, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a center of engineering excellence. Together, these efforts contribute to a vibrant and resilient aerospace sector that drives industrial growth, nurtures local talent, and accelerates the emirate’s rise as a global aviation leader.