Emirates signs MOU with Rolls-Royce to conduct engine MRO on its own A380 fleet from 2027

Emirates has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce to establish in-house Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the Trent 900 engines powering its Airbus A380 fleet, starting in 2027.

Agreement Signed at Dubai Airshow 2025
Emirates will build a new facility at its Engineering Maintenance Centre (EEMC) in Dubai to handle engine overhauls.

Scope of Work
- Emirates will perform fan case repairs and full engine MRO for its A380 fleet.
- Rolls-Royce will continue to provide module repair capability within its global network.

Extended Partnership
- Emirates has extended its TotalCare service agreement with Rolls-Royce into the 2040s, ensuring long-term support for its A380 operations.
- This collaboration strengthens Rolls-Royce’s global MRO network, which includes company-owned facilities, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.

Strategic Importance
- Emirates is the largest operator of the Airbus A380, with 116 aircraft in service.
- By developing its own MRO capabilities, Emirates secures greater independence, efficiency, and cost control while contributing to Dubai’s growing aerospace sector.

Leadership Statements
- Ahmed Safa, Emirates’ Head of Engineering & MRO: emphasized securing long-term maintenance capabilities as Emirates plans to operate its A380s into the 2040s.
- Paul Keenan, Rolls-Royce Director of Commercial Aviation Aftermarket Operations: highlighted the milestone as part of Rolls-Royce’s strategy to expand global MRO capacity by 2030.

Significance
This MoU is a major step for Emirates and the UAE, positioning Dubai as a regional hub for advanced aerospace engineering. It ensures the longevity of the A380 fleet and deepens the strategic partnership between Emirates and Rolls-Royce.