GE Aerospace Partnership Launches UAE Aviation Training Program 2025

Strategic Collaboration at Dubai Airshow 2025

On November 19, 2025, a significant development for the regional aviation sector took place at the Dubai Airshow. We observed three major industry players, GE Aerospace, Etihad Engineering, and Lufthansa Technik Middle East (LTME), formalize a strategic collaboration agreement. This partnership is not merely a commercial transaction but a foundational step toward establishing a new Maintenance Training Program (MTP) specifically designed for UAE nationals. The initiative represents a concerted effort to align private sector capabilities with national economic objectives.

The agreement brings together distinct areas of expertise to address a critical gap in the local workforce. GE Aerospace contributes its global leadership in jet engines and aerospace systems, while Etihad Engineering offers the region’s largest commercial aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure. Completing the triumvirate is Lufthansa Technik Middle East, which brings the pedagogical standards of Lufthansa Technical Training (LTT). Together, these entities aim to create a sustainable pipeline of Emirati talent capable of managing complex technical tasks within the aviation industry.

We view this collaboration as a direct response to the evolving regulatory and economic landscape of the United Arab Emirates. As the aviation sector continues to contribute significantly to the national GDP, estimated at approximately 14%, the necessity for a localized, highly skilled technical workforce has moved from a long-term goal to an immediate priority. This program is positioned to bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical realities of the shop floor.

The Maintenance Training Program (MTP) Structure

The core of this agreement is the establishment of a vocational qualification program that adheres to high international standards. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with Lufthansa Technical Training (LTT), a globally recognized standard-setter in aviation education. We understand that the program adopts a “dual-study” approach, which is essential for technical mastery. This method combines rigorous classroom lectures with hands-on On-the-Job Training (OJT), ensuring that students are not just learning concepts but applying them in real-world scenarios.

The training will take place at the facilities of Etihad Engineering and LTME, providing trainees with access to live aircraft and engines. The curriculum covers critical technical areas, including airframe structures, aircraft maintenance fundamentals, and engine systems, leveraging GE’s specific expertise in propulsion. By integrating these elements, the partners aim to produce graduates who meet the technical qualification requirements of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), making them licensable and immediately employable within the UAE.

This initiative addresses the practical challenges of workforce development. Rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge, the program immerses trainees in the operational environment of MRO providers. This exposure is crucial for developing the competency required to maintain modern commercial and military aircraft. It also ensures that the training remains relevant to the specific needs of the fleets operating in the region.

“Working alongside Etihad Engineering and GE Aerospace, we are fostering an environment where local professionals can thrive, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of global MRO excellence.”, Ziad Al Hazmi, CEO of Lufthansa Technik Middle East.

Alignment with Emiratization and Vision 2030

The timing of this agreement is inextricably linked to the UAE government’s aggressive “Emiratization” mandates active in 2025. We note that private sector companies with over 50 employees face strict quotas to increase their Emirati workforce by 2% annually, targeting a 10% total representation by 2026. Non-compliance with these targets carries significant financial penalties. Consequently, this training program serves a dual purpose: it assists the partner companies in meeting regulatory requirements while simultaneously solving the challenge of finding qualified local technical talent.

Furthermore, the initiative supports the federal “Nafis” program, which aims to create 75,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis. Beyond job creation, there is a strategic imperative tied to the UAE’s Vision 2030, which seeks to localize 50% of defense and aerospace procurement. Building a robust local MRO workforce is a prerequisite for achieving this autonomy. By reducing reliance on foreign contractors for critical infrastructure maintenance, the UAE strengthens its strategic independence and ensures that technical know-how is retained within the national economy.

Industry leaders have expressed strong support for this alignment. Daniel Hoffmann, CEO of Etihad Engineering, highlighted that the joint efforts would nurture homegrown talent while introducing new technologies to the region. Similarly, Aziz Koleilat, President & CEO of GE Aerospace (Middle East, Türkiye, E. Europe & CIS), emphasized the shared commitment to developing local talent and advancing the UAE’s aviation sector. These perspectives reinforce the notion that the collaboration is driven by both business necessity and national duty.

Future Implications for the Regional MRO Sector

The establishment of this Training program signals a shift in how multinational aerospace corporations operate within the Middle East. For GE Aerospace, the Partnerships strengthens government relations in a key market that purchases both commercial and military engines. It positions the company as a partner in national development rather than merely a vendor. For Etihad Engineering, hosting the program creates a direct feeder system for their hangars, addressing the pressure to Emiratize their technical workforce with skilled labor.

Looking ahead, we anticipate that this model of collaboration, combining international technical expertise with local infrastructure and government policy objectives, will become a blueprint for other sectors in the region. As the graduates of this program enter the workforce, they will contribute to the localization of the supply chain, potentially attracting further investment into the UAE’s aerospace ecosystem. The success of this initiative could determine the pace at which the region achieves its goal of becoming a self-sufficient hub for global aviation maintenance.

FAQ

Question: Who are the partners involved in this agreement?
Answer: The agreement was signed by GE Aerospace, Etihad Engineering, and Lufthansa Technik Middle East.

Question: What is the primary goal of the collaboration?
Answer: The primary goal is to launch a Maintenance Training Program (MTP) to train UAE nationals in technical aviation skills, supporting Emiratization targets.

Question: When and where was the agreement signed?
Answer: The agreement was signed on November 19, 2025, at the Dubai Airshow.

Question: What type of training does the program offer?
Answer: The program offers a “dual-study” approach combining classroom theory with On-the-Job Training (OJT) in airframe structures, maintenance fundamentals, and engine systems.

Sources

• GE Aerospace Press Release