Abu Dhabi Aviation Post Revenue of $540 Million
Positioning itself as a global aviation leader, Abu Dhabi Aviation Group (ADA), the UAE-headquartered diversified aviation services provider, on Friday announced that the company has posted a revenue of $540 million for the first quarter of 2025.
The Group delivered robust top- and bottom-line performance, aligned with its long-term strategy and underpinned by favourable macroeconomic conditions, which continue to drive demand across its core business segments: General Aviation, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), and Investments.
ADA maintained strong profitability during the period, reporting EBITDA of $64.80 million and an EBITDA margin of 12%. This performance was primarily driven by the inclusion of the ADA legacy group, which contributed $22.33 million.
Significant profitability improvements were also recorded at GAL and AMMROC, which contributed $22.6 million and $7.06 million, respectively, to the Group’s overall EBITDA. Additionally, EYE contributed $12.8 million to EBITDA during the period.
The Group’s financial position remains strong, supported by a solid balance sheet, healthy liquidity, and prudent debt management-providing resilience and flexibility for future growth.
The revenue of General Aviation declined by 17% y-o-y over the three-month period, noting that the statutory comparatives do not include the ADA legacy group in the prior period’s profit or loss. The decrease was primarily driven by lower government sales from Maximus, fewer ad hoc flights operated by ADA, and the absence of certain one-off sales recorded by ADA.
However, this was partially offset by increased revenue from AgustaWestland’s spare parts sales and third-party repair services, as well as improved performance in Royal Jet’s private jet and non-charter service segments.
The MRO business has emerged as a well-established aviation leader, strengthened by the successful acquisition of 100% stake in EYE and AMMROC, and 50% in GAL from a wholly owned subsidiary of ADO in May 2024.
The MRO revenue increased by 12% y-o-y (before intercompany eliminations), driven by strong growth across key subsidiaries. GAL reported higher revenue supported by strong performance on government contracts.
MRO’s operating profit increased to $64.8 238 million, driven by a rise in airframe hours, higher sub-contract revenue, and strong performance in key maintenance and manpower service contracts.
MRO’s net profit rose to $39.48 145 million in Q1-2025, largely driven by higher earnings at AMMROC, GAL, and EYE. This increase was supported by stronger income from maintenance and manpower contracts, as well as higher interest income from fixed deposits.
The segment delivered a solid performance over the three-month period, with revenue increasing by 10% y-o-y to $1.85 million, driven by a 5% uplift in new rental rates and improved occupancy (noting that the statutory comparatives do not include the ADA legacy group in the prior period’s profit or loss).
Business Outlook
The region’s macroeconomic environment continues to be supportive, driven by population growth, increasing tourism, and industrial expansion, all underpinned by long-term national vision and growth initiatives.
Holding a market-leading position, ADA is committed to becoming a global aviation leader based in Abu Dhabi, further reinforcing its role as a premier hub for aviation, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, as well as logistics and advanced engineering.
ADA’s healthy financial position is underpinned by its diversified portfolio, recently enhanced by the acquisition of stakes in EYE, AMMROC and GAL, further bolstering and widening its offering. Looking ahead to 2025, ADA aims to sustain growth across its segments, improving efficiency and competitiveness, and exploring new market opportunities.
In Aviation, fleet upgrades are a priority, with potential market entry being considered in Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia, as well as potential Oil & Gas opportunities in the wider African region.
In MRO, ADA is optimistic on the segment’s future growth potential. GAL will remain focused on expansion by actively pursuing new contract awards and strategically targeting opportunities across key sectors to drive growth.
ADA Chairman Nader Ahmed Mohamed Al Hammadi said that ADA made significant strides in reinforcing its leadership within the regional aviation sector.
“Our robust financial performance in 2025, coupled with strategic acquisitions and ongoing expansion, have positioned us for continued growth and long-term success. The seamless integration of EYE, AMMROC and GAL has not only enhanced our capabilities, but driven substantial value creation,” he added.
