Sanad Group has signed a preliminary agreement with Indonesia’s GMF to set up a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centre for aircraft engines. Prior to that, the two companies will collaborate to build MRO capabilities dedicated to CFM engines at GMF’s existing facility in Jakarta.

Mansoor Janahi, chief executive of Sanad Group said: “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 centres.”

Andi Fahrurrozi, chief executive of GMF, said: “This landmark partnership significantly enhances cooperation between two of the largest engine MRO companies in the Middle East and Indonesia. 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 the Asia Pacific region.”

This is part of Sanad’s ongoing global expansion strategy to create an international network of aero engine MRO centres.

The new MRO centre will leverage the region’s growing demand for aircraft engine MRO services, driven by strong air traffic and cargo volumes.

In July, the UAE and Indonesia signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost mutual trade between the two nations.

The two countries expect their bilateral non-oil trade to jump from about $3 billion currently to $10bn in the next five years.