In a groundbreaking move, Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Air France-KLM to enhance its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations. This partnership, which includes high-level involvement from both countries, is set to significantly bolster Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector and solidify Saudia’s technical capabilities.
The MOU, signed at a ceremony attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and senior officials from Saudia, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the airline’s efforts to localize and strengthen its aviation infrastructure. The agreement also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for the future of its aviation industry, providing a strategic boost to the Kingdom’s role as a key player in global aviation.
Strengthening MRO Capabilities in Saudi Arabia
Saudia’s collaboration with Air France-KLM comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing rapid development across multiple sectors. As part of the partnership, Saudia will assume the assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines, which power the Boeing 777 aircraft. This significant move aligns with the Saudi Aviation Strategy and demonstrates Saudia’s growing expertise in technical operations.
The localizing of GE90 engine work will not only create jobs and stimulate local economies, but it will also position Saudia as a regional leader in aircraft maintenance. The arrangement includes a commitment from Saudia to allocate 50% of GE90 work orders to Air France-KLM, ensuring a strong and mutually beneficial collaboration.
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Saudia is a historic partner of Air France-KLM, and in the context of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced development, we see a mutual interest in expanding our commercial cooperation and pooling our expertise, notably in the strategic MRO activity.”
A Future in Joint Ventures and Engine Expertise
Beyond the GE90 engines, the MOU also explores the potential for establishing a joint venture focused on the GEnx engines, which power the Boeing 787 aircraft. This expansion into new areas of engine maintenance will further diversify Saudia’s MRO offerings and create additional opportunities for technical collaboration between the two airlines.
Both Saudia and Air France-KLM share a common vision of advancing their MRO capabilities, with the goal of supporting the rapid growth of aviation in the region. The partnership also complements Saudia’s existing capabilities, which include servicing CFM LEAP-1A engines for the Airbus A320neo family.
An Expanded Codeshare Agreement
The new MRO partnership isn’t just about engines—it’s also about commercial cooperation. As part of the deal, Saudia and Air France-KLM will look to enhance their existing codeshare agreement, providing passengers with more travel options and improved connectivity. Both airlines are members of the SkyTeam alliance, and this deeper collaboration will further strengthen their combined presence in international markets.
With a broader reach and a more seamless customer experience, the expanded codeshare agreement will enable passengers to access an even wider range of destinations across the globe, further solidifying Saudia’s position as a key player in the Middle East’s aviation sector.
A Step Towards Vision 2030
The partnership between Saudia and Air France-KLM is a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s push to transform its aviation industry. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the country aims to become a global hub for aviation and tourism, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for its citizens.
Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented on the significance of the deal, saying, “This agreement reflects the visionary leadership of the Saudia Group Board, led by its chairman, H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics. It aligns with the Saudi Aviation Strategy and demonstrates our commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s aviation sector.”
The Bigger Picture: A Booming Aviation Sector
This partnership is just one example of the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry. The Kingdom is currently experiencing significant investment in infrastructure, including the development of new airports, the expansion of existing ones, and the creation of new aviation hubs across the country.
The aviation sector is poised for strong growth as the Kingdom continues to modernize its transport infrastructure and invest in local and international partnerships. With a rapidly expanding domestic air market and growing interest from international carriers, Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a central player in the global aviation landscape.
- GE90 Engine Localization: Saudia will handle assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines, used in Boeing 777 aircraft.
- Joint Venture for GEnx Engines: Plans to establish a joint venture for GEnx engines, which power Boeing 787 aircraft.
- Codeshare Agreement: Expansion of existing codeshare partnership between Saudia and Air France-KLM.
- Boosting Local Economy: Significant job creation and technical expertise development in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement between Saudia and Air France-KLM is not only a major leap forward for the airline but also a key contributor to Saudi Arabia’s broader economic vision. It reflects the Kingdom’s determination to become a leader in aviation, positioning itself as a critical hub in global air travel.
