Sanad, GMF Sign Engine Maintenance Center MOU

Executives from Sanad and GMF at the MoU signing in Bali.

Credit: Sanad

Abu Dhabi-based Sanad Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GMF AeroAsia to establish a new engine MRO center of excellence in Indonesia.

The MOU, signed at the UAE Business Forum which ran alongside the B20 Summit 2022 in Bali, will see both parties collaborate to set up a new facility at GMF’s existing site at Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta International Airport that will focus on CFM LEAP engines.

In addition to the on-site repairs in Jakarta, Sanad will provide some repair services at its facility in Abu Dhabi. Sanad, which is owned by state-owned investment fund Mubadala, says the new alliance is part of an ongoing expansion strategy to create an international network of engine MRO centers.

The agreement is part of a wider UAE-Indonesia comprehensive economic partnership agreement signed this week. It aims to grow the nations’ annual bilateral trade from approximately $3 billion in 2021 to $10 billion by 2026.

Mansoor Janahi, CEO of Sanad Group, says: “This milestone partnership accelerates our geographic expansion and our strategy to facilitate premium engine maintenance services in major growth markets through a robust global network of world-class engine MRO centers.”

The latest agreement follows previous partnership agreements signed by Sanad in 2022. Earlier this year, the company signed an MOU with Triumph Group aimed at providing engine-related repairs for operators in the Middle East and Africa.

“This landmark partnership significantly enhances cooperation between two of the largest engine MRO companies in the Middle East and Indonesia,” adds Andi Fahrurrozi, CEO of GMF. 

“Representing a unique global cooperation model, the partnership is based on several key principles, including the exchange of knowledge and expertise, training, improving the quality of customer solutions and services, driving growth, and enhancing our offering for industrial players across Asia Pacific region.”

GMF AeroAsia’s existing engine capabilities include full overhaul services for CFM56 family engines and inspection services on CF34, PW100, GE90, LEAP-1A/-1B and Trent 700 engines.

James Pozzi

As Aviation Week's MRO Editor EMEA, James Pozzi covers the latest industry news from the European region and beyond. He also writes in-depth features on the commercial aftermarket for Inside MRO.