MRO & Manufacturing
Qatar Airways and QFZ Partner to Boost Aviation and Logistics Hub
Qatar Airways and Qatar Free Zones Authority partner to develop aviation clusters and customs-free corridors, enhancing Qatar’s global aviation role.
The recent collaboration agreement between Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Airways represents a pivotal moment in the Middle East’s Airlines sector, establishing Qatar as a comprehensive hub for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul services while strengthening the nation’s position in global logistics networks. This strategic partnership, formalized on October 8, 2025, encompasses the development of specialized aviation clusters in Qatar’s free zones, creation of customs-free corridors connecting major infrastructure assets, and expansion of maintenance capabilities that will serve both domestic and international aviation markets. The agreement aligns directly with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which aims to achieve sustainable economic growth through diversification and the establishment of specialized economic clusters, while positioning the country as a global aviation and logistics hub. With Qatar Airways reporting record financial performance and the Middle East aviation market demonstrating exceptional growth rates exceeding global averages, this partnership arrives at a critical juncture when regional carriers are capturing increasing market share and generating disproportionate profits relative to their fleet size.
The collaboration is not only a testament to Qatar’s ambition to lead in aviation and logistics but also a model for how targeted infrastructure investments and regulatory reforms can catalyze sector-wide transformation. By leveraging its geographic advantages, world-class infrastructure, and a supportive business environment, Qatar is positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global industry.
Qatar’s emergence as a global aviation powerhouse is rooted in strategic investments made over the past two decades. The establishment of Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airports were foundational steps, with the latter now frequently recognized as one of the world’s best airports. These initiatives were part of the broader Qatar National Vision 2030, which sought to diversify the economy and build resilience against external shocks.
The creation of the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) in 2018 marked a significant milestone. QFZ was mandated to develop and regulate free zones designed to attract international investment, facilitate business operations, and support the broader economic diversification agenda. Its regulatory framework has enabled seamless business establishment, customs processing, and global connectivity for tenants.
Qatar’s geographic location has proven a key asset, placing the nation within reach of major markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The proximity to over two billion people and $6 trillion in combined GDP has enabled Qatar to serve as a bridge in global trade and aviation networks, further enhanced by its advanced air and sea ports.
The partnership centers on the development of an “aviation cluster” within the Ras Bu Fontas Free Zone, adjacent to Hamad International Airport. This cluster will house a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), with plans for additional specialized technical sites. Qatar Airways’ recent agreement with Honeywell to service the HGT1700 APU for Airbus A350s positions the airline as a regional leader in advanced MRO services.
The agreement’s phased approach allows for scalable development, ensuring that infrastructure and capabilities grow in tandem with market demand. This is particularly relevant given the global MRO market’s projected expansion to $156 billion by 2035, driven by an aging fleet and increased aircraft utilization.
By inviting international partners and suppliers to establish operations within the free zones, the partnership aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem that leverages Qatar Airways’ global network, which currently spans 197 destinations and hosts 55 airlines at Hamad International Airport. “This strategic agreement demonstrates our commitment to positioning Qatar’s free zones as a leading hub for logistics and aviation services,”, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO, Qatar Free Zones Authority.
A critical innovation in the partnership is the creation of customs-free corridors linking Ras Bu Fontas Free Zone with both Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port. These corridors are designed to facilitate seamless movement of aircraft components, maintenance equipment, and logistics operations, addressing longstanding bottlenecks related to customs and regulatory procedures.
The integration of air and sea logistics is underpinned by robust infrastructure: Hamad International Airport processed 52.7 million passengers in 2024, a 15% increase year-on-year, while Hamad Port has the capacity to handle up to 7.8 million tonnes annually. The Doha Metro further connects these hubs, enhancing ground transportation efficiency.
Foreign investment in Ras Abu Fontas has surged, with companies from Germany, South Korea, and Singapore establishing regional headquarters and research facilities, attracted by the zone’s strategic location and business incentives.
The partnership is directly aligned with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which emphasizes economic diversification through the creation of specialized clusters in aviation and logistics. These sectors are identified as critical for driving non-hydrocarbon growth and supporting sustainable government revenues.
The logistics and warehousing market in Qatar was valued at $9.53 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through 2030. The partnership’s focus on attracting international companies and developing supply chain hubs is expected to accelerate this growth, supporting the strategy’s target of a 4% annual economic expansion.
By fostering high-value employment and encouraging private sector participation, the initiative supports the goal of increasing skilled workforce participation to 46% and expanding the share of Qataris in private and public-private sectors.
“Aviation cluster development contributes to economic diversification by generating revenue streams that reduce dependence on hydrocarbon exports while creating high-value employment opportunities.”, Qatar Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030
The strategy emphasizes fiscal resilience and the need to diversify government revenues. By developing aviation clusters within free zones, Qatar is able to attract foreign direct Investments and reduce reliance on direct government spending for infrastructure expansion.
The partnership’s structure, which encourages private sector and international participation, aligns with best practices for sustainable economic development. It also supports Qatar’s ambition to become a re-export hub for high-value products, leveraging its logistics and aviation capabilities. The customs-free corridor and streamlined regulatory environment are designed to minimize transaction costs and improve the overall ease of doing business, further supporting the national economic agenda.
The Middle East aviation sector has outpaced global growth rates for over a decade. The region accounts for around 6% of global scheduled capacity and passenger fleet but generates more than 12% of worldwide airline profits. This is due in part to the region’s role as a major connecting hub for long-haul international travel.
Fleet development in the Middle East has been robust, with single-aisle fleets growing over 35% since 2019, and major markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar maintaining aircraft backlogs exceeding 100% of current installed fleets. This expansion underpins the growing demand for regional MRO services.
Qatar Airways’ own performance is illustrative: the airline retained its Skytrax “World’s Best Airline” title, achieved record profits, and continues to operate one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry.
The global MRO market is projected to reach $156 billion by 2035, driven by an aging fleet and increased aircraft utilization. Qatar Airways’ new MRO facility, scheduled for completion by 2028, will incorporate eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and operational excellence.
The facility’s focus on advanced APU servicing, in partnership with Honeywell, will create over 50 high-skilled jobs and support the development of local talent, while also attracting international engineering expertise.
Qatar Airways Cargo-Aircraft, the world’s largest cargo airline by market share, further enhances the operational capabilities of the aviation cluster, supporting both MRO and logistics operations through its global network and digitalized processes.
“The MRO sector’s projected growth to $156 billion by 2035 reflects structural changes in aviation operations that favor regional MRO hub development.”, Oliver Wyman Global Fleet and MRO Market Forecast
Technology and innovation are central to the partnership’s vision. Qatar Airways has pioneered the integration of Starlink super-fast WiFi across its Boeing 777 fleet, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency. Ras Abu Fontas Free Zone has attracted companies specializing in smart logistics, artificial intelligence, and advanced IT infrastructure, creating a supportive environment for digital transformation. Qatar Airways Cargo’s investment in digitalization, such as omnichannel booking and real-time data analytics, enables more efficient and reliable logistics operations. These advancements are crucial for maintaining Qatar’s competitive edge in the global aviation and logistics sectors.
The planned MRO facility will incorporate sustainable technologies, aligning with Qatar’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. This commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in the design and operation of new infrastructure.
The partnership is underpinned by strong leadership from both Qatar Airways and QFZ. Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, has overseen record financial results and the successful expansion of Hamad International Airport. Under his guidance, the airline has adopted a renewed strategy focused on innovation, partnerships, and operational agility.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani’s leadership of QFZ ensures strategic alignment with national development goals and a commitment to attracting world-class companies and talent to Qatar’s free zones.
The integrated approach, combining aviation, logistics, and technology within a single ecosystem, creates a unique value proposition that differentiates Qatar from regional competitors and positions it as a leader in global aviation cluster development.
The strategic partnership between Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Airways is a landmark initiative that will reshape the aviation and logistics landscape in the Middle East. By integrating advanced MRO capabilities, seamless customs-free corridors, and a supportive regulatory environment, Qatar is poised to attract international investment and drive sustainable economic growth.
As the aviation industry evolves in response to technological, environmental, and market pressures, Qatar’s comprehensive approach offers a blueprint for future development. The success of this partnership will not only advance national objectives but also set a new standard for aviation cluster development in the region and beyond.
What is the main goal of the Qatar Airways and QFZ partnership? How does the partnership support Qatar’s national development strategy? What are the expected benefits for international companies? How is sustainability addressed in the partnership? What makes Qatar’s aviation cluster unique in the region?
Qatar Airways and Qatar Free Zones Authority Strategic Partnership: Transforming Middle East Aviation and Logistics Infrastructure
Historical Context of Qatar’s Aviation Development
The Strategic Partnership Framework
Cluster Development and MRO Expansion
Customs-Free Corridors and Infrastructure Integration
Economic Development Strategy Integration
Alignment with National Vision and Diversification Goals
Financial Sustainability and Private Sector Engagement
Regional Aviation Market Dynamics and MRO Opportunities
Middle East Aviation Growth and Competitive Positioning
MRO Market Trends and Facility Development
Technology, Innovation, and Environmental Sustainability
Digital Transformation and Smart Logistics
Leadership, Vision, and Market Differentiation
Conclusion
FAQ
The partnership aims to develop an integrated aviation cluster in Qatar’s free zones, expand MRO capabilities, and create customs-free logistics corridors to boost Qatar’s competitiveness in global aviation and logistics.
It directly aligns with the Third National Development Strategy by driving economic diversification, attracting foreign investment, and creating high-value employment in specialized sectors like aviation and logistics.
International companies will benefit from streamlined regulatory processes, world-class infrastructure, access to Qatar Airways’ global network, and operational efficiencies through customs-free corridors and integrated logistics services.
The new MRO facilities will use eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies, supporting Qatar’s environmental goals and aligning with global trends toward sustainable aviation operations.
The integration of advanced MRO, logistics, free zone incentives, and digital innovation, combined with strategic geographic positioning, differentiates Qatar’s offering from other regional hubs.
Sources
Photo Credit: Gulf Times
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
MRO & Manufacturing
Liebherr and Röder Expand MRO for Embraer E-Jet Landing Gear
Liebherr-Aerospace and Röder Präzision deepen cooperation to overhaul main landing gear for Embraer E-Jet E1 family, enhancing capacity and reducing turnaround times.
This article is based on an official press release from Liebherr-Aerospace.
Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH and Röder Präzision GmbH have officially announced a significant expansion of their MRO cooperation. According to a joint statement released in early February 2026, the new agreement tasks Röder Präzision with the overhaul of structural components for the main landing gear of the Embraer E-Jet E1 family. This move builds upon a pre-existing partnership that was previously limited to nose landing gear components.
The deepened collaboration comes as the global aviation industry faces rising demand for maintenance capacity. By integrating Röder Präzision’s Egelsbach facility into the supply chain for main landing gear structures, Liebherr aims to increase industrial capacity and reduce turnaround times (TAT) for operators of the E170, E175, E190, and E195 aircraft. The agreement is effective immediately, with operations expected to scale up throughout 2026.
As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the E-Jet landing gear system, Liebherr-Aerospace retains authority over the final product, while leveraging Röder’s specialized capabilities to handle the volume of structural repairs required by the aging global fleet.
The agreement establishes a clear division of responsibilities designed to optimize the overhaul process. While Röder Präzision takes on the industrial heavy lifting for individual components, Liebherr maintains control over the critical airworthiness certification and system integration.
Liebherr’s facility in Lindenberg remains the center of competence for the program. The OEM is responsible for the “top-level” processes, which include:
Röder Präzision, an established MRO provider, will handle the detailed industrial overhaul of the structural parts. Their scope includes:
According to the announcement, Röder has invested in expanded machinery and specific employee qualification programs to meet the technical demands of the main landing gear, which involves larger and more complex components than the nose gear they previously handled.
The timing of this agreement is driven by the lifecycle of the Embraer E-Jet E1 fleet. The aircraft family, which entered service in the mid-2000s, is currently experiencing a “bow wave” of heavy maintenance requirements.
Landing gear overhaul intervals for the E-Jet are typically set at 10 years or 20,000 flight cycles for the E190/195, and 12 years or 30,000 flight cycles for the E170/175. With a significant portion of the global fleet reaching these milestones simultaneously, the demand for overhaul slots has surged. By utilizing a domestic German supply chain, Liebherr intends to minimize logistics costs and shipping times, offering a faster alternative to non-European vendors. “This cooperation is a win-win situation. We are covering global needs that are sure to arise in the near future. At the same time, we can offer our customers greater capacities and faster turnaround times thanks to short delivery routes.”
— Gerd Heinzelmann, Managing Director, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
Bastian Heberer, CEO of the Röder Group, emphasized that the deal is built on a foundation of trust established during their previous work on nose landing gear.
“We are very pleased to be able to deepen the long-standing, trust-based partnership with Liebherr with this agreement. With our targeted investments in machinery and the qualification of our employees, we are a reliable partner for Liebherr.”
— Bastian Heberer, CEO, Röder Group
This agreement highlights a growing trend in the MRO sector where OEMs are increasingly relying on trusted third-party providers to manage capacity constraints. While OEMs like Liebherr hold the intellectual property and certification authority, the sheer volume of mature fleets, like the E-Jet E1, requires more industrial throughput than many OEMs can manage alone without expanding their own physical footprint.
By outsourcing the component-level repair work to Röder while keeping the high-value assembly and certification in-house, Liebherr effectively creates a “hybrid” MRO model. This allows them to scale capacity rapidly in response to the current market surge without bearing the full capital expenditure of building new component repair shops. For operators, the promise of a “domestic solution” within Germany suggests a focus on supply chain resilience, reducing the risk of delays associated with cross-border logistics.
What aircraft are covered by this agreement? When does the new cooperation begin? Does Röder Präzision certify the landing gear? Sources: Liebherr-Aerospace
Liebherr-Aerospace and Röder Präzision Expand Partnership for Embraer E-Jet Landing Gear Overhaul
Operational Division of Labor
Liebherr-Aerospace (Lindenberg)
Röder Präzision (Egelsbach)
Strategic Context: The E-Jet “Overhaul Wave”
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The agreement covers the Embraer E-Jet E1 family, which includes the E170, E175, E190, and E195 models.
The cooperation is effective immediately, with the volume of overhaul work expected to scale up successively throughout 2026.
No. Röder performs the overhaul of structural components, but Liebherr-Aerospace retains responsibility for final testing and airworthiness certification.
Photo Credit: Liebherr
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