Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions company wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, has expanded its long-standing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) partnership with Rolls-Royce for the Trent 700 engine. The expanded agreement marks a major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming a leading global aerospace hub, strengthening industrial capabilities, workforce development, and technological excellence.
The enhanced partnership will see a significant increase in Trent 700 engine shop visits at Sanad’s advanced facilities in Abu Dhabi. This expansion responds to sustained global demand for wide-body aircraft engine maintenance and reflects strong confidence from Rolls-Royce in Sanad’s technical expertise, operational performance, and quality standards. The Trent 700 engine powers Airbus A330 aircraft, which continue to play an important role in global aviation fleets.
A core element of the agreement is investment in advanced MRO facilities and capabilities, including state-of-the-art tooling, digital diagnostics, and next-generation repair technologies. These investments will enable Sanad to deliver faster turnaround times, enhanced reliability, and cost-efficient solutions for airline customers worldwide, while maintaining the highest safety and quality benchmarks.
The expansion is also expected to create approximately 300 skilled jobs, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to human capital development. A strong focus will be placed on training and upskilling Emirati talent, supporting the UAE’s long-term vision of building a knowledge-based, high-value industrial economy. Collaboration with Rolls-Royce will further facilitate knowledge transfer and exposure to global best practices in aerospace engineering.
From an economic perspective, the agreement strengthens Abu Dhabi’s aerospace ecosystem by anchoring high-value industrial activity within the emirate. It supports supply chain growth, attracts international customers, and enhances the UAE’s competitiveness in the global aviation services market. The partnership also aligns with national strategies aimed at economic diversification, advanced manufacturing, and industrial resilience.
For Rolls-Royce, expanding its collaboration with Sanad enhances global MRO capacity for the Trent 700 engine, ensuring consistent service quality for customers while leveraging Abu Dhabi’s strategic location and world-class infrastructure.
Overall, the expanded Sanad–Rolls-Royce partnership represents a powerful combination of technology, talent, and trust. By increasing engine shop visits, investing in cutting-edge facilities, and creating high-skilled jobs, the agreement reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aerospace leader and a key player in the future of aviation services.
