Abu Dhabi aerospace firm Sanad expects its new GTF engine maintenance centre in Al Ain to require more than 1,000 technicians once fully operational, according to an interview given to Gulf News by Kashish Kohli, Group Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of the Asset Management Division.
Kohli stated that the hiring strategy will not rely exclusively on expatriates due to a global shortage of skilled aviation workers. Instead, Sanad intends to combine overseas recruitment with domestic talent development by partnering with UAE universities and offering trainee and on-the-job training programmes, while also seeking to groom future leaders from within its technical workforce.
Sanad is currently constructing two facilities in Al Ain. One facility is dedicated to GTF engines and is scheduled to begin engine inductions in 2028, alongside a second Dh480 million repair facility.
According to the company, Sanad's total workforce expanded by 44% year on year during the first half of 2026 to reach 898 employees. UAE nationals accounted for 36.9% of the overall workforce and 51.6% of senior leadership positions.
Sources
- Gulf News · 2026-09-28
