Leading Airline 'Saudia' Partners with Asia X for Expanded Connectivity and Passenger Experience

UAE-based Sanad Group has signed a strategic maintenance deal with AirAsia X, one of Asia's largest medium and long-haul airlines. The partnership gives Sanad a major foothold in Asia's fast-growing aviation market and strengthens AirAsia X's operations through specialized engine maintenance services.

The agreement was signed during the MRO Asia-Pacific aircraft maintenance exhibition in Singapore. Under the deal, Sanad will provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for AirAsia X's Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines.

This partnership matters because Sanad is the world's only independent maintenance center for Trent 700 engines. The company already handles more than 25% of all Trent 700 engines globally and has completed over 250 maintenance operations at its Abu Dhabi facilities. For AirAsia X, this means access to specialized expertise that can improve fleet performance while reducing maintenance costs.

The deal represents a significant step in Sanad's global expansion strategy. Asia-Pacific is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, and securing a major regional carrier like AirAsia X as a client strengthens Sanad's position in the region.

"This new partnership with AirAsia X confirms Sanad's leading position as the sole independent provider of maintenance services for Trent 700 engines worldwide," said Mansour Janahi, Sanad Group's CEO. He emphasized that the company's track record of servicing over 25% of global Trent 700 engines gives partners exceptional expertise and reliability.

Benjamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, explained that the partnership supports the airline's mission to provide affordable, reliable air travel across Asia and beyond. "Ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our fleet is fundamental to our success," he said. The deal with Sanad gives the airline access to world-class maintenance expertise that will enhance fleet performance and improve cost efficiency.

Sanad Group, which is fully owned by Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company, brings over 38 years of aircraft engine maintenance experience to the partnership. The company currently serves more than 40 airlines and 10 strategic partners worldwide across a diverse portfolio of advanced engines.

For the broader aviation industry, this partnership highlights how specialized maintenance providers are becoming increasingly important as airlines seek to maximize aircraft utilization and minimize operational costs. Independent maintenance centers like Sanad offer airlines alternatives to original equipment manufacturers for engine servicing, potentially reducing costs and improving service flexibility.