French MRO Firms Boost Sustainable Aviation in Middle East

Dubai, UAE – January 30, 2026 – At the upcoming AIME/MRO Middle East event on February 4–5, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the French Pavilion, under the French Fab banner, will host 21 leading French aerospace companies. These firms will present advanced, lower-impact Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) solutions specifically tailored to meet the Middle East’s evolving aviation needs.

Rapid MRO Growth Driven by UAE & KSA

The Middle East’s MRO sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. Regional spending is projected to reach $16 billion by 2025 and surpass $20 billion by 2035, with the commercial fleet expanding at 5.1% annually to approximately 2,600 aircraft, representing 6.7% of the global fleet. Strong air traffic growth and national aviation strategies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are driving the demand for predictive maintenance, faster turnaround times (TATs), reliable component access, and lower-carbon operations.

Responding to this surge, Etihad Engineering has launched its strategic plan, Al Massar (“The Path”), aiming to double revenue by 2030 through expanded hangar capacity in Abu Dhabi and an enhanced range of MRO services.

France-Middle East Partnerships Fuel Advanced MRO

French aerospace expertise is deeply integrated into Middle East aviation ecosystems, with several notable collaborations:

• EPCOR, part of AFI KLM E&M, signed a long-term maintenance agreement with Riyadh Air for APS5000 APUs on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

• Safran Test Cells (Safran Aero Boosters) won a contract from Sanad (Mubadala) to build an engine test cell at Al Ain’s upcoming GTF MRO Center.

• Satys Aerospace and ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East inaugurated a dedicated aircraft painting facility at Dubai South (DWC).

• Thales, Emirates, and Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) co-developed an AI-powered system that reduces holding patterns by up to 40%, lowering fuel consumption and improving punctuality.

According to Axel Baroux, Managing Director of Business France Middle East, “France’s global aerospace reputation and strong regional integration make French companies ideal partners for the Middle East’s forward-looking MRO landscape. Our firms deliver operational excellence, reduced turnaround times, and greener maintenance, already proven in multiple regional projects.”

Comprehensive Solutions Tailored to the Region

The French delegation spans the entire aircraft lifecycle—from maintenance and cabin interiors to digitalization, logistics, and ground support. Highlights include:

• Component MRO & lifecycle services: REVIMA, Domusa, AMC Aviation, Tarmac Aerosave, EOLE Aero, Air Châteaudun

• Cabin design & passenger experience: ImaginAir, BT2i Group, SELA, Latécoère

• Mission-critical tooling & test systems: ABC, Techman-Head, TEI, Usimat Sermees, Manitou

• Surface treatment & composite repair: Aquarese Industries, GMI Aero

• Digital solutions & logistics: AirInt Services, SkinPack Solutions, Prodex Aerospace Solutions

The delegation underscores French commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the Middle East aviation sector.

Visit the French Pavilion

Attendees are invited to explore live demonstrations, meet the experts, and discuss collaboration opportunities at the French Pavilion, Sheikh Saeed Halls, DWTC, on February 4–5, 2026. More information is available at: https://event.businessfrance.fr/aime-mro-middle-east-2025/

Acknowledgments: Special thanks to partners Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M), Air France, and Terracotta.