• Partnership with AirAsia X for Trent 700 engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services at Sanad’s state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi facilities.
• Strengthens Sanad’s growing footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
• Supports AirAsia X’s commitment to operational efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction across its international network.

Singapore, UAE – 25 September 2025: Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and asset management solutions leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), has signed a strategic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agreement with AirAsia X, one of Asia’s largest and most recognized medium to long haul airlines. The partnership was commemorated at MRO Asia-Pacific in Singapore, one of the region’s premier aviation industry events, and will see Sanad provide comprehensive MRO services for Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, strengthening Sanad’s footprint in the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific market.

The Asia-Pacific region remains one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets, with passenger demand expected to nearly double by 2040 and account for more than 40% of global air traffic growth. Industry forecasts also project over 17,000 new aircraft deliveries in the next two decades, driven by expanding populations, rising tourism, and increasing connectivity across Asia. Against this backdrop, Sanad’s agreement with AirAsia X represents a major milestone in its global growth strategy, adding another leading Asia-Pacific carrier to its customer portfolio and reinforcing its role as a trusted partner to the world’s most prominent airlines.

As the only independent MRO service center for Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines globally, Sanad brings unmatched expertise to the partnership. Supporting over 25% of the global Trent 700 engine market, successfully completed more than 250 inductions at its state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi facilities. This proven capability and market leadership uniquely positions Sanad to support AirAsia X maximize fleet performance while optimizing efficiency and cost effectiveness.

For AirAsia X, the partnership will strengthen the operational reliability, safety, and longevity of its Airbus A330 fleet powered by the renowned Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. Serving 24 and counting destinations across Asia and Australia, the airline is a critical driver of affordable and accessible air travel for millions of passengers. By leveraging Sanad’s world-class MRO solutions, AirAsia will be able to sustain the highest standards of safety and service while maximizing the long-term value of its fleet.

Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, said: “This partnership with AirAsia X underscores Sanad’s position as the world’s only independent Trent 700 MRO provider and one of the leading global players in this market. With a proven track record of supporting 25% of the global Trent 700 fleet, we bring unmatched expertise and reliability to our partners. Working with one of Asia’s most prominent carriers not only expands our reach in a critical growth market but also reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class engine MRO solutions that maximize efficiency, safety, and performance for airlines worldwide.”

Benyamin Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X Berhad, added: “AirAsia X was built on the vision of making air travel affordable, accessible, and reliable for millions across Asia and beyond. Our Airbus A330 fleet is central to connecting the region with key global destinations, and ensuring their safety, efficiency, and reliability is critical to our success. Partnering with Sanad gives us access to world-class Trent 700 MRO expertise, enhancing fleet performance, optimizing cost efficiency, and enabling us to continue delivering the high standards of service our passengers expect.”

With more than 38 years of MRO expertise, Sanad today supports over 40 airlines and 10 strategic partners worldwide across a diverse portfolio of mature and next-generation engines. The addition of AirAsia X to its customer base underscores Sanad’s position as a partner of choice for the global aviation industry and a key enabler of operational excellence for leading carriers. Delivering this agreement from its state-of-the-art facilities in Abu Dhabi further reinforces the UAE capital’s status as a global aviation hub, while partnerships with international airlines such as AirAsia X highlight the UAE’s growing role in shaping the future of aerospace and advancing its long-term vision for global industrial leadership.