GE Aerospace to boost MRO capacity in the region: General Electric’s aircraft engine and services subsidiary GE Aerospace is plugging USD 10 mn into its two maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in the UAE and Qatar in a bid to increase operational efficiency and turnaround time, according to a statement (pdf). The investment will finance adding new equipment, improving existing infrastructure, widening training capacities, and increasing headcount by 30%.

More services for CFM Leap engines: The investment targets expanding services covering the CFM Leap engines — a registered trademark engine owned by a 50/50 JV between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. Some of the added services include module-level disassembly, durability enhancements, and maintenance work on the hot section of the engine.

Why does that matter? Over 750 of these engines are used by more than 20 airlines in the Middle East, Turkey, and a number of countries in the Eurasia region. Adding those services in the region will support a reduction in downtime and increase flexibility for airlines.

Looking forward: The move will also go towards exploring the potential of additional regional investments, the firm said, without going into further detail. The figure is part of GE Aerospace’s USD 1 bn MRO spending spree over 2024 and 2025.

ICYMI- Mubadala’s Sanad is now capable of offering maintenance, repair, and MRO services for Airbus’ CFM LEAP-1A engine after launching its fifth MRO production line back in December.

MRO is big in the UAE…: Dubai aerospace platform Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) inked an agreement with International Energy Resources (IER) MRO Industries to build an MRO and engine testing facility at Dubai South to be completed in two phases by 4Q 2026 and 3Q 2027. MBRAH and UAE-based MRO outfit Tim Aerospace also broke ground on a new MRO hangar at Dubai South in March.

…and gaining momentum in Qatar: Qatar Airways is now licensed by aerospace provider Honeywell to provide MRO services for its Airbus A350’s Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). Its MRO unit Qatar Airways Technic is looking to adopt new tech by enhancing inspections through drones, robotics systems, enhanced tooling, and MRO system.

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