GE Aerospace is significantly expanding its presence in the UAE with a new $50 million On Wing Support (OWS) facility at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South. The investment, announced ahead of the Dubai Airshow, will quadruple the company’s footprint in Dubai to 120,000 square feet.
A Major Expansion at Dubai South
The purpose-built facility is designed to meet the growing service demand for the CFM LEAP engine fleet and to prepare for the future entry of the GE9X engine. It will also feature advanced technology development capabilities and the first dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) training space in GE’s OWS history.
“As demand for LEAP engine services continues to grow, this new facility will enable us to deliver world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities on a larger scale,” said Farah Borges, Vice President for Assembly, Test & MRO at GE Aerospace. She added that it positions the company to support the future GE9X engine.
Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The expansion will help scale operations for quick turn, lease pool, and field services across GE, CFM International, and Engine Alliance powerplants.
Supporting Key Engine Programmes
The CFM LEAP engine, a product of a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, powers leading narrowbody aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX. The GE9X is the company’s latest engine, developed exclusively for the new Boeing 777X widebody aircraft and is the most powerful commercial jet engine ever built.
GE has long-standing service agreements with regional carriers, including Dubai’s flag carrier Emirates, which uses GE engines for its Boeing 777 fleet. The company’s support is crucial for the airline’s extensive operations, which are on full display during major events like the Dubai Airshow.
Tahnoon Saif, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, described the move as “a testament to the strategic importance of the Middle East region.” The investment reflects growing confidence in Dubai as a key enabler for the future of aviation, a trend seen across various sectors as JPMorgan expands in Dubai amid increasing regional competition.
Showcasing Future Engine Technology
Alongside the facility announcement, GE Aerospace is also debuting its Open Fan engine design in the Middle East at the Dubai Airshow. Part of the CFM RISE programme, the technology promises to deliver over 20 per cent better fuel efficiency compared to current commercial engines.
The design is being promoted as a particularly suitable option for Middle Eastern carriers. Aircraft in the region are frequently exposed to airborne sand and dust, which can affect engine performance. According to a GE spokesperson, extensive “dust ingestion tests” involving a special mix of sand and particles have demonstrated the platform’s real-world endurance for the area’s challenging conditions.
The dual announcements underscore GE’s commitment to both servicing the current generation of aircraft and developing next-generation technology. This major investment further solidifies Dubai’s position as a critical global hub for the aerospace industry, connecting air, maritime, and land trade.
