**France:** Saudi Arabia and Airbus have strengthened their four-decade partnership, focusing on localising aircraft manufacturing and maintenance as part of Vision 2030. The Kingdom is building an advanced aviation ecosystem, securing a 105-aircraft order, and addressing supply chain challenges to boost competitiveness and economic diversification.
Saudi Arabia and Airbus: Pioneering Cooperation in Aviation and Space
In a recent strategic meeting in France, Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, engaged in discussions with Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer and other key Airbus leaders. This dialogue focused on accelerating collaboration in the aviation and satellite sectors, with a significant emphasis on localising aircraft manufacturing and maintenance within the Kingdom.
The gathering, which included representatives such as Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, as well as other prominent figures in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sphere, underscored the deep-rooted partnership between Saudi Arabia and Airbus, a relationship that has thrived for nearly four decades. Alkhorayef articulated that localising aviation manufacturing is a top priority under Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to boost the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities, enhance competitiveness on a global scale, and drive economic diversification and sustainable development.
To facilitate this ambitious vision, Saudi Arabia is establishing an advanced industrial and investment ecosystem tailored for the aviation sector. Alkhorayef outlined several incentives aimed at attracting global players, including simplified government procedures for foreign investments, streamlined regulations, competitive access to essential minerals like aluminium and titanium, and a strategic geographical position that connects Europe, Asia, and Africa. Additionally, the Kingdom is focused on creating a supportive investment landscape with government-backed financial solutions and cutting-edge infrastructure.
A noteworthy aspect of the discussions revolved around addressing current supply chain challenges in the aviation industry. As Alkhorayef pointed out, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to leverage its extensive mineral resources and advanced logistics networks to create mutual benefits and enhance joint investments with Airbus. This is particularly pertinent given the ongoing industry-wide supply chain issues; Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, has indicated signs of recovery in supply chains for major aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus.
Moreover, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its aviation sector, the Saudi Group has recently placed a significant order for 105 Airbus jets, further solidifying its commitment to enhancing its fleet capabilities. This monumental order is designed to increase operational capacity, aligning with the Kingdom’s objective to attract over 150 million tourists by 2030. Remarkably, Saudia Airlines has confirmed that these deliveries are expected to proceed without delays, reflecting a broader trend of stabilisation in Airbus’s operations.
Alkhorayef’s delegation tour of Airbus facilities provided further context, allowing them to observe cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that drive aircraft manufacturing. The visit included an exploration of Airbus’s satellite manufacturing capabilities, revealing the company’s advancement in the space sectors, which complements Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in this arena.
In discussing the implications of Vision 2030, Scherer acknowledged that Saudi Arabia is a vital strategic partner in the Middle East. He expressed Airbus’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with the Kingdom through the exchange of knowledge and expertise and enhancing cooperation in advanced technologies that can bolster the aviation and satellite sectors.
Saint-Martin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of robust industrial collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France, particularly in aviation and satellite technology. This commitment to fostering strong economic relationships is crucial as both nations work towards shared development goals, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a cornerstone in global aviation and space industries.
As the Kingdom moves forward, the strategic meeting and subsequent developments hint at a transformative phase for Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape, reinforcing its position on the global stage, particularly in aviation and space technology, and paving the way for a more diverse and resilient economy.
Reference Map:
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- Paragraph 3 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxNMm81ZDBBZXRhUG5IQ0tRMkFVU29aU1p0elo3X2k1bjBXM043TEJENTd5SnN5NTZjTHRXWlNDcElEQWUwVDlmSzVfSERDOVhGa1RlRVFDZDFHOFZRZXFKZXZMOHdXenpQTURHeHNHTzl2NGRSVlBlX1JjU3Bwd21sWHNCOC00WU05XzZ3TGhpaldWeGJmRHdMVGt5dURkUC1GMkFWamtZOVRwYlhjVHdZ?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[2]](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/riyadh-air-ceo-says-airline-supply-chain-issues-starting-improve-2025-02-20/), [[3]](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saudia-airlines-sees-no-delays-airbus-jet-deliveries-2024-07-16/)
- Paragraph 4 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxNMm81ZDBBZXRhUG5IQ0tRMkFVU29aU1p0elo3X2k1bjBXM043TEJENTd5SnN5NTZjTHRXWlNDcElEQWUwVDlmSzVfSERDOVhGa1RlRVFDZDFHOFZRZXFKZXZMOHdXenpQTURHeHNHTzl2NGRSVlBlX1JjU3Bwd21sWHNCOC00WU05XzZ3TGhpaldWeGJmRHdMVGt5dURkUC1GMkFWamtZOVRwYlhjVHdZ?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[4]](https://apnews.com/article/17f69af191d586c3b75218174839528d), [[5]](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saudia-turns-airbus-boeing-wide-body-jets-amid-single-aisle-shortage-2024-06-06/)
- Paragraph 5 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxNMm81ZDBBZXRhUG5IQ0tRMkFVU29aU1p0elo3X2k1bjBXM043TEJENTd5SnN5NTZjTHRXWlNDcElEQWUwVDlmSzVfSERDOVhGa1RlRVFDZDFHOFZRZXFKZXZMOHdXenpQTURHeHNHTzl2NGRSVlBlX1JjU3Bwd21sWHNCOC00WU05XzZ3TGhpaldWeGJmRHdMVGt5dURkUC1GMkFWamtZOVRwYlhjVHdZ?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en)
- Paragraph 6 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxNMm81ZDBBZXRhUG5IQ0tRMkFVU29aU1p0elo3X2k1bjBXM043TEJENTd5SnN5NTZjTHRXWlNDcElEQWUwVDlmSzVfSERDOVhGa1RlRVFDZDFHOFZRZXFKZXZMOHdXenpQTURHeHNHTzl2NGRSVlBlX1JjU3Bwd21sWHNCOC00WU05XzZ3TGhpaldWeGJmRHdMVGt5dURkUC1GMkFWamtZOVRwYlhjVHdZ?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[2]](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/riyadh-air-ceo-says-airline-supply-chain-issues-starting-improve-2025-02-20/)
- Paragraph 7 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxNMm81ZDBBZXRhUG5IQ0tRMkFVU29aU1p0elo3X2k1bjBXM043TEJENTd5SnN5NTZjTHRXWlNDcElEQWUwVDlmSzVfSERDOVhGa1RlRVFDZDFHOFZRZXFKZXZMOHdXenpQTURHeHNHTzl2NGRSVlBlX1JjU3Bwd21sWHNCOC00WU05XzZ3TGhpaldWeGJmRHdMVGt5dURkUC1GMkFWamtZOVRwYlhjVHdZ?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[4]](https://apnews.com/article/17f69af191d586c3b75218174839528d), [[6]](https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-06-saudi-arabias-flynas-firms-up-30-more-a320neo-family-aircraft)
- Paragraph 8 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxNMm81ZDBBZXRhUG5IQ0tRMkFVU29aU1p0elo3X2k1bjBXM043TEJENTd5SnN5NTZjTHRXWlNDcElEQWUwVDlmSzVfSERDOVhGa1RlRVFDZDFHOFZRZXFKZXZMOHdXenpQTURHeHNHTzl2NGRSVlBlX1JjU3Bwd21sWHNCOC00WU05XzZ3TGhpaldWeGJmRHdMVGt5dURkUC1GMkFWamtZOVRwYlhjVHdZ?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[7]](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/saudia-group-agrees-deal-with-airbus-105-aircraft-2024-05-20/)
- Paragraph 9 – [[1]](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxNMm81ZDBBZXRhUG5IQ0tRMkFVU29aU1p0elo3X2k1bjBXM043TEJENTd5SnN5NTZjTHRXWlNDcElEQWUwVDlmSzVfSERDOVhGa1RlRVFDZDFHOFZRZXFKZXZMOHdXenpQTURHeHNHTzl2NGRSVlBlX1JjU3Bwd21sWHNCOC00WU05XzZ3TGhpaldWeGJmRHdMVGt5dURkUC1GMkFWamtZOVRwYlhjVHdZ?oc=5&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en), [[2]](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/riyadh-air-ceo-says-airline-supply-chain-issues-starting-improve-2025-02-20/)
Source: Noah Wire Services
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