The Saudia Group has officially announced a major strategic agreement with GE Aerospace concerning the power and maintenance of its forthcoming fleet expansion. The agreement centers on equipping the national flag carrier, Saudia, with GEnx-1B engines for its recent order of 39 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 widebody aircraft.
The comprehensive deal structure encompasses several key components beyond the initial engine supply. It includes a multi-year Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) program, the provision of necessary spare engines, and significant capability-building initiatives.
These crucial initiatives will be delivered in collaboration with Saudia Technic to expand and localize advanced aerospace expertise within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented that the partnership is expected to transform the Group’s long-haul operational capacity and enhance air connectivity. He emphasized that the agreement is instrumental in accelerating the localization of high-technology aviation expertise. This enables the development of in-country technical capability for engines that were previously maintained abroad, ensuring that investment, skills, and value remain within the Kingdom in alignment with the overarching Saudi Vision 2030 strategic goals.
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, acknowledged the honor of supporting the Saudia Group’s growth. He noted that the GEnx engines are designed to provide reliability, efficiency, and durability for the airline’s expanded widebody fleet. He further highlighted the mutual benefit of the collective efforts to develop a skilled aerospace workforce that supports the industry for decades to come, benefiting both the Kingdom and the United States.
The GEnx engine family, known for its advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies, is a highly utilized power plant, currently powering approximately two-thirds of all operational Boeing 787 aircraft globally, with an accumulated service record of over 70 million flight hours since 2011.
Building on a relationship spanning more than four decades, GE Aerospace continues to collaborate with Saudi partners to advance Vision 2030 through dedicated talent development and technical capability-building. This strategic move by the Saudia Group, focused on fleet expansion and expanded engineering capabilities through Saudia Technic, reinforces the Saudi Aviation Strategy and strengthens the Kingdom’s global connectivity.
