The World Defense Show (WDS) 2024, a global event that showcases the latest innovations and technologies in the defense sector, kicked off in Riyadh on February 4. Among the participants of the event is Saudia Group, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest aviation groups in the Middle East.
Saudia Group is participating in WDS 2024 alongside three of its strategic business units: Saudia Academy, Saudia Technic, and Saudia Private. These units offer a range of services and solutions for the defense industry, such as training, maintenance, repair, overhaul, charter, and VIP travel.
Saudia Academy is the leading aviation training center in the region, providing comprehensive and customized courses for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, ground staff, and security personnel. The academy has state-of-the-art facilities, including simulators, classrooms, labs, and workshops. It also has partnerships with international organizations and institutions, such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Saudia Technic is the largest provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in the Middle East and Africa, serving both civil and military customers. The company has a network of facilities across Saudi Arabia, as well as joint ventures and partnerships with leading global MRO providers, such as Lufthansa Technik, AAR, and Boeing. Saudia Technic offers a wide range of capabilities, including airframe, engine, component, avionics, paint, and line maintenance.
Saudia Private is the exclusive operator of private and VIP flights for Saudia Group, catering to the needs of high-profile clients, such as government officials, royal family members, business leaders, and celebrities. The company has a fleet of modern and luxurious aircraft, ranging from small jets to wide-body airliners, equipped with the latest amenities and technologies. Saudia Private also offers charter services, aircraft management, and consultancy.
Saudia Group’s Role in Supporting the Defense Sector
Saudia Group has a long history of supporting the defense sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond, dating back to its inception in 1945. The group has played a vital role in transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid during various conflicts and crises, such as the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Yemen War. The group has also contributed to the development and diversification of the defense industry in the Kingdom, in line with the Vision 2030 strategy.
Khaled Tash, the Group Chief Marketing Officer of Saudia, said that the group is proud to be the Official Airline Partner for WDS 2024, and to showcase its capabilities and achievements at the event. He added that the group is committed to enhancing its services and solutions for the defense sector, and to strengthening its partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
Andrew Pearcey, the Chief Executive Officer of World Defense Show, said that he is delighted to have Saudia Group as the Official Airline Partner for the second edition of the event. He praised the group for its professionalism, excellence, and innovation, and for its support for the defense community. He also expressed his hope that the event will provide a platform for fruitful dialogue and collaboration among the participants.
World Defense Show 2024: A Global Defense Event
WDS 2024 is a biennial event that aims to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the defense sector, covering land, sea, air, and cyber domains. The event is held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
The event features an exhibition, a conference, a live demonstration, and a networking program, attracting thousands of visitors and exhibitors from around the world. The event also highlights the achievements and aspirations of Saudi Arabia in the defense sector, as well as its role in promoting regional and global security and stability.
WDS 2024 will run until February 8, 2024, at the Riyadh Airbase, which covers an area of 800,000 square meters. The event is organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the regulator and enabler of the military industries sector in Saudi Arabia.
