Sanad and Rolls-Royce to Develop Training Program to Groom Aviation Sector Leaders

Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader owned by Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), unveiled a dynamic new collaboration with Rolls-Royce, a global leader and manufacturer in the aerospace industry, focused on nurturing the next generation of leaders in the aviation sector.

The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, the world’s leading aerospace and defense event attended by global industry leaders, in the presence of Amer Siddiqui, Group Chairman of Sanad, Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala, and Omar Ali Adib, Senior Vice President of Rolls-Royce.

Starting in September 2025, Rolls-Royce and Sanad will jointly select outstanding talents from Sanad who demonstrate robust leadership potential to join the Rolls-Royce team in the United Kingdom for a six-month period.

This annual initiative aims to equip future leaders with industry-leading skills in aerospace Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations, thereby bolstering both Sanad's and the United Arab Emirates' efforts to cultivate top-tier talent in the aviation industry.

Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala stated: “Mubadala has maintained a strong and productive relationship with Rolls-Royce for many years, and we are excited to elevate this collaboration to new heights. This partnership will significantly benefit Abu Dhabi and further our ambition to establish it as a global aviation hub.”

Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, commented: “Sanad’s long-standing partnership with Rolls-Royce since 2013 in the MRO of the Trent 700 engine exemplifies our shared commitment to excellence.

"Through this new collaboration, we are dedicated to fostering the next generation of aviation leaders by offering our employees unparalleled opportunities to immerse in a six-month training program at one of world-wide sites of Rolls-Royce to enhance their capabilities and learn and equip themselves with best practices.”

Omar Ali Adib, Senior Vice President of Rolls-Royce added: “We are eager to collaborate with Sanad on this innovative training program. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to create exceptional development pathways for future aviation leaders, driving innovation and excellence within the industry.”

This initiative highlights Sanad's steadfast commitment to developing aviation talent and leaders. By fostering such collaborations with leading global aerospace organizations, Sanad is investing in human capital, strengthening the aviation supply chain, and showcasing the power of strategic partnerships.

Through this training program, Sanad and Rolls-Royce are poised to significantly impact the future of the aviation industry, paving the way for innovation and excellence.