Etihad Airways has purchased 16 aircraft engines from Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader, wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), a landmark agreement valued at approximately AED1.5 billion. This transaction underscores the emirate’s position as a global aviation hub and supports the continued expansion of Etihad Airways and the strength of the Abu Dhabi aviation ecosystem.
The sale includes a range of next-generation aircraft engines that power Etihad’s modern fleet of aircraft comprising nine GEnx engines for the Boeing 787 aircraft, five GP7200 engines for the Airbus A380, one Trent XWB engine for the Airbus A350, and one V2500 engine for the Airbus A320. This transaction underscores the strong synergy between Sanad and Etihad Airways, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s aviation landscape and advancing the emirate's strategic ambitions as the sector plays an integral role in bolstering the non-oil trade whilst driving economic growth.
Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and group CEO of Sanad, said: "This transaction reaffirms Sanad’s long-term commitment to proactive portfolio management and optimising our assets while strategically investing in future growth initiatives. It highlights the strength of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector and our dedication to driving its continued growth. Our collaboration with Etihad Airways reflects the remarkable growth the airline is experiencing and we are proud to be supporting the airline’s ambitious 2030 journey. Together, we are strengthening the synergies within Abu Dhabi’s thriving aviation ecosystem.”
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “The acquisition of these engines marks a key milestone for Etihad as we continue maintaining a world-class fleet that drives our growth, honouring Abu Dhabi’s rich aviation heritage. This transaction is also a reminder of the strong synergy between Sanad and Etihad Airways spanning two decades.”
Sanad’s partnership with Etihad Airways dates back to 2003. Since then, Sanad has played a crucial role in maintaining Etihad’s fleet of aircraft engines, with Sanad conducting MRO services on over 400 engines, including V2500, Trent 700, which power the Airbus Aircraft family and GEnx models that power Boeing aircraft.
This latest approximately AED 1.5 billion engine sale reflects Sanad’s ability to navigate the competitive landscape while providing strategic value to its partners.
