US giant GE steps up Dubai, UAE aviation presence with new multi-million-dollar hub

GE Aerospace is significantly expanding its operations in the UAE with a new, state-of-the-art On Wing Support (OWS) facility at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South. The $50 million investment will quadruple GE’s Dubai footprint to 120,000 square feet, enabling the company to deliver enhanced maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities for the CFM LEAP engine and support the future GE9X engine. Construction is slated to begin in December 2025, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The facility will also include GE's first dedicated MRO training space within its OWS network. Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle East region and the confidence in MBRAH as a key enabler for the future of aviation.

The CFM LEAP engine, a product of the joint venture between GE Aerospace and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines, powers the Airbus A320neo family, the Boeing 737 MAX, and the COMAC C919. The GE9X engine, developed exclusively for the Boeing 777X, promises at least 10% better fuel efficiency than its predecessor, the GE90-115B. Emirates, a major Boeing 777 operator, has ongoing multi-million-dollar service agreements with GE, highlighting the importance of these engines in the region. GE also provides maintenance, overhaul, and technology solutions to other UAE carriers, supporting a large Middle Eastern aftermarket and parts ecosystem.

With over 35% of all LEAP overhaul visits currently handled by GE’s distributed network, the Dubai expansion will scale operations for quick-turn, lease pool, and field services across GE, CFM International, and Engine Alliance engines. The Dubai South location, which is also home to the future Al Maktoum International Airport, will further strengthen the city’s position as a global aviation hub. GE Aerospace also showcased the CFM RISE programme’s Open Fan engine design at the Dubai Airshow, which aims to deliver over 20% better fuel efficiency compared to current commercial engines.

The Open Fan platform has undergone extensive testing, including dust ingestion tests, to ensure its suitability for the challenging conditions of the Middle East. The expansion and technological advancements underscore GE Aerospace's commitment to supporting the growing aviation sector in the Middle East and enhancing its MRO capabilities in the region. The new facility will not only cater to the existing fleet but also prepare for the future entry into service of the GE9X engine, solidifying GE's position as a key player in the global aviation industry.