Engineering trust: French MRO champions accelerate sustainable, data-driven maintenance in the Middle East
At AIME/MRO Middle East, taking place on February 4–5, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the French Pavilion, organised under the French Fab brand, will showcase 21 leading French aerospace companies offering smart, lower-impact maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions tailored to the Middle East’s rapidly evolving aviation sector.
Middle East aviation growth fuels MRO demand
Demand for MRO services in the Middle East continues to accelerate, with regional spending expected to reach $16 billion by 2025 and exceed $20 billion by 2035. The region’s commercial aircraft fleet is forecast to grow by 5.1 per cent annually, reaching approximately 2,600 aircraft and accounting for 6.7 per cent of the global fleet.
This expansion is driven by strong air traffic growth and national aviation strategies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, increasing demand for predictive maintenance, shorter turnaround times (TATs), reliable component availability, and lower-carbon operations.
In line with this momentum, Etihad Engineering has launched Al Massar (“the path”), a strategic initiative aimed at doubling revenue by 2030, supported by major hangar expansion in Abu Dhabi and an expanded capabilities portfolio.
France and the Middle East strengthen MRO partnerships
French aerospace expertise continues to play a central role in the aviation ecosystems of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, supported by a growing network of strategic partnerships.
Recent collaborations include EPCOR, a subsidiary of AFI KLM Engineering & Maintenance and a partner of the French Pavilion, signing a long-term APU maintenance agreement with Riyadh Air for APS5000 APUs on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. Safran Test Cells (Safran Aero Boosters) has secured a contract from Sanad (Mubadala) to design and build an engine test cell at Sanad’s upcoming GTF MRO Centre in Al Ain.
Other notable developments include Satys Aerospace and ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East opening a dedicated aircraft painting facility at Dubai South (DWC), and a collaboration between Thales, Emirates, and Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) to co-develop an AI-powered air traffic management system capable of reducing holding patterns by up to 40 per cent, lowering fuel burn, and improving on-time performance.
“France’s global reputation in aerospace, combined with deep local integration, positions our companies as ideal partners for the Middle East’s future-focused MRO landscape,” said Axel Baroux, Managing Director of Business France Middle East.
“French players deliver operational excellence, shorter TATs, and greener maintenance solutions, already demonstrated across projects throughout the region,” he added.
Comprehensive solutions across the aircraft lifecycle
The French Pavilion delegation spans the entire aircraft lifecycle, covering maintenance, interiors, digitalisation, tooling, and logistics. In component MRO and lifecycle services, companies such as REVIMA, Domusa, AMC Aviation, Tarmac Aerosave, EOLE Aero, and Air Châteaudun bring advanced technical expertise.
ImaginAir, BT2i Group, SELA, and Latécoère focus on cabin innovation and passenger experience, while ABC, TechmanHead, TEI, Usimat Sermees, and Manitou deliver mission-critical tooling, testing systems, and ground support equipment. Aquarese Industries and GMI Aero advance surface treatment and composite repair solutions.
Digital efficiency is driven by AirInt Services and SkinPack Solutions through cabin maintenance software, digital twins, and optimised kitting, while Prodex Aerospace Solutions supports operators with aerospace logistics and rapid AOG response.
