Saudi Arabia seeks to strengthen the local aviation industry through cooperation with “Boeing” and “Airbus” to use local metals in the aircraft industry, in addition to attracting huge investments to develop the aviation sector in the Kingdom.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced its cooperation with Boeing and Airbus, the two largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, with the aim of obtaining approval to use local aluminum and titanium production in their aircraft.
This cooperation comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s efforts to increase the industrialization process in the country and diversify its economy away from oil.
Obtaining the accreditation may help the Kingdom overcome the supply obstacles that the two companies face, including difficulties in securing a number of raw materials.
In addition, the Kingdom is also discussing producing a greater number of aircraft components locally, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, expressed, during a dialogue prior to the launch of the Future of Aviation Conference held in Al-Riyadh, the interest of Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer in establishing long-term facilities to produce some components in Saudi Arabia.
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These efforts come within the framework of the Kingdom’s efforts to transform into a new center for metals and mining, as negotiations are underway with giant aircraft companies regarding their inclusion in the list of metal suppliers.
This coincides with expectations that Saudi Arabia will become a major source of new aircraft orders, in light of the ambition of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to develop the transportation sector in the country, including a comprehensive renewal of the aviation sector and the establishment of new airline companies.
In this context, Saudi Airlines announced an order for 105 narrow-body aircraft from Airbus, the largest order in the company’s 80-year history.
The company also ordered dozens of Boeing aircraft last year, as did Riyadh Air, the new airline company affiliated with the Saudi sovereign fund, which is still under establishment.
As part of enhancing cooperation with Boeing, the company and the National Tasnee Group concluded a memorandum of understanding last year to explore opportunities to develop titanium of a grade suitable for use in aircraft in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia aims to attract investments worth $100 billion in the aviation sector by 2030, which will be mainly led by spending by the Saudi sovereign fund.
Al-Duailej expected to spend about 50% of this amount on airports and infrastructure, while the remaining amount will be directed to aircraft and other activities.
