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Engine MRO and asset management specialist Sanad achieved record revenue in 2025 as global engine shop capacity constraints drove a sharp rise in shop inductions.
In results released April 17, the Abu Dhabi-based company said it inducted approximately 230 engines into its MRO shops in 2025, up from 161 inductions in 2024. As a result, revenues climbed 41% year-over-year to AED7 billion ($1.9 billion) with shop work spanning Sanad’s commercial engine portfolio, which includes Rolls-Royce Trent 700, IAE V2500, CFM International Leap, and GE Aerospace GEnx engine programs.
For 2025, Sanad added 24 customers, including Malaysia-based LCC AirAsia and flag carrier Royal Jordanian, bringing its global customer base to more than 80 airlines, lessors and operators. Its contracted backlog grew to AED38 billion, with Sanad emphasizing the importance of long-term OEM agreements covering more than 1,000 shop visit commitments over the next three decades.
Mansoor Janahi, MD and CEO of the Sanad Group, said global engine MRO capacity remains structurally constrained and the company has had to scale up its operations with discipline by expanding infrastructure, securing long-term contracts and investing in workforce and repair capabilities.
In 2025, the Mubadala-owned business invested more than AED100 million to expand shop floor capacity and repair capabilities. As part of this strategy, it increased operating space after signing a partnership agreement with maintenance provider AMMROC in February 2025 to establish a new facility in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, to grow capacity and accommodate rising engine induction demand.
Al Ain will be the location of Sanad’s forthcoming MRO facility for the Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engine program, following the signing of an agreement in 2025 to secure two plots at the site. When completed in 2028, the site will operate twin test cells capable of conducting more than 500 engine tests annually.
Another key investment in 2025 was establishing an asset management division, for which the company invested AED92 million, as part of a broader AED367 million investment.
Sanad launched the new business at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, integrating engine leasing, parts trading, and lifecycle support. In 2025, Sanad acquired 10 engines for the company’s asset management business. Earlier this year, it revealed plans to invest around $100 million, with a focus on cost-efficient maintenance alternatives, specifically used serviceable material and mature engine assets.
Sanad also grew its workforce in 2025 to help meet its ramp-up targets. Last year, the company’s total headcount reached approximately 855 employees, with 306 new hires, representing a 42% increase. The company said it is also promoting its long-term Emiratization agenda to develop national talent. In 2025, the company had a 36% overall Emirati national workforce, up from 23.1% in 2022, and took on 30 Emirati apprentices in 2025.
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