Sanad, Thales to explore areas of collaboration on aviation services

Sanad, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thales to explore areas of collaboration in the fast-developing domains of industrial services for airport security, air traffic and avionics systems.

The MoU was signed by Mansoor Janahi, Group CEO of Sanad, and Bernard Roux, CEO of Thales in the UAE.

This announcement follows the launch of Sanad’s new industrial services strategy, which focuses on expanding its business beyond the aerospace sector to drive the UAE’s sustainable industrial future by leveraging synergies with international partners.

Knowledge exchange will be a key focus under the terms of the agreement, and Thales will serve as a partner in diversifying Sanad’s business portfolio towards industrial services in Air Traffic, Airport Security, and Avionics Systems.

As part of the agreement, Sanad and Thales will work collaboratively on regional and international projects, wherein Sanad would lead on providing cutting-edge industrial systems, working alongside Thales who will spearhead the design and build.

Speaking on the occasion, Mansoor Janahi, Group CEO of Sanad, said, “This partnership with Thales reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted global hub for the industrial services, as it expands the range of services provided by the national aerospace sector to include airport security, air traffic management, and avionics systems, which are witnessing a significant growth locally and globally.

“Through this new agreement, Sanad seeks to build national competencies and excellence in these sectors, localising the most advanced technologies and promoting the transfer of knowledge through partnerships with major international companies leading in these sectors. This partnership also confirms Sanad’s ability to implement its new strategy through this new partnership with Thales coupled with its distinguished engineering and leasing history spanning more than 30 years.”

Bernard Roux, CEO of Thales in UAE, commented, “The aviation sector has fostered endless debates over the last few years, whether it is in relation to future traffic flows or the resilience and adaptability of the sector. Our skies are undergoing a significant transformation. As we look to build a future that we can all trust, it is innovation and knowledge exchange that play a vital role in promoting sustainable growth and creating industries with a competitive advantage at a global stage. Sanad has taken significant strides in the aviation industry over the last three decades, and as trusted architects of the sector, we are delighted to be working with Sanad to shape the future of the industry.”

Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), has partnered with the Arab Air Carriers organisation (AACO) to provide the association’s 27 carrier members with access to Sanad’s world-class industrial service capabilities in 2021.

The affiliation, which sees Sanad appointed as AACO’s Industry Partner, provides a strategic platform for extensive knowledge exchange and access for the AACO members, with Sanad expecting to leverage the tie-up to expand regional service partnerships and build on its industry-leading expertise in servicing global OEMs and airlines.

“Our partnership with AACO provides its members and Sanad with a mutually beneficial platform to explore greater collaborative opportunities and share knowledge and experience to drive excellence across the aviation sector,” said Mansoor Janahi, Deputy Group CEO, Sanad. “With more than three decades’ experience across MRO and leasing, we look forward to working with AACO and its members to further our collective ambitions.”

Since its inception 25 years ago, AACO’s Industry Partnership programme has fostered a mutually beneficial environment where partners benefit from AACO events and activities designed to strengthen their relations with member airlines, while AACO members benefit from the partners’ diverse product offerings, and numerous other benefits.

Abdul Wahab Teffaha, AACO Secretary General, said: “We are pleased to welcome Sanad to the extended AACO family of industry partners, and we are confident that the framework we provide for our members and industry partners will create synergies and opportunities for all parties. Sanad’s innovative solutions and services offer specialist choices to our member airlines, and we look forward to a fruitful and successful collaboration and partnership”.