Sanad extends contract with Etihad Airways by $100 million

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Sanad Aero Solutions GmbH (Sanad), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company, has increased its leasing portfolio of spare engines and components with Etihad Airways through the addition of new assets valued at $100 million.

This includes spare GEnx and GP7200 engines and spare landing gear and nacelles, to support the airline’s growing fleet of B777, B787, A320 and A380 aircraft. 

With the additional assets, the overall value of Sanad’s leasing relationship with Etihad Airways now exceeds $450 million.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “This latest financial agreement builds on the growing relationship between the two companies, enabling us to benefit from existing synergies, maximise the economics of our assets, and lease spare engines and components at very competitive costs.

“Last year 21 aircraft joined the fleet, including our first A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. With another 16 Airbus and Boeing aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2015, it’s vital that we have the recommended level of inventory to keep our fleets fully serviceable at all times.”

Sanad’s relationship with Etihad Airways began in 2011 through the financing of 11 GE90 and Rolls-Royce Trent spare engines, and the two companies extended this in 2013 through the financing of rotable component spares valued at over US$125 million.

Troy Lambeth, Chief Executive Officer of Sanad, said: “We are delighted to expand our leasing portfolio with Etihad Airways and extend our long term support to its fleet as it continues to grow. Our relationship with the airline continues to drive our shared mandate in creating a global aerospace hub here in Abu Dhabi and we look forward to further collaboration as a long-term partner in the airline’s record growth.”

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has also recently clinched top honours at the 2015 Aviation 100 Awards, organised by Airline Economics magazine. 

The prestigious awards are voted for by the industry and recognise outstanding achievement in the aerospace sector, with Etihad Airways claiming the coveted ‘Airline of the Year’ title.

The awards follow a milestone year, which saw the national flag carrier quantum leap its level of growth, innovation and service.  In 2014 the airline launched 10 new routes including three in North America, and injected significant investment into new equity partnerships.

Last year, Etihad Airways also revealed a brand new look with new livery, uniforms and onboard offerings, with its first-of-kind ‘Residence by Etihad’ concept changing the face of luxury commercial air travel.

For more information, visit: http://www.etihad.com/en-gb/about-us/news/archive/2015/etihad-airways-named-airline-of-the-year-at-aviation-100-awards/