Saudia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air France-KLM aimed at significantly expanding and localising its MRO capabilities.
The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia says the partnership marks a pivotal step in enhancing its technical operations within the Kingdom and underscores the commitment of both parties to foster stronger ties and mutual growth in the aviation sector.
The MoU includes provisions for Saudia to handle module assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines which are used on Boeing 777 aircraft.
Saudia will award a firm minimum of 50% of the GE90 work orders to Air France-KLM in return for localising the process.
The agreement also explores the establishment of a joint venture for GEnx engines, used on Boeing 787 aircraft. This adds to Saudia’s prominent local MRO capabilities, including servicing CFM LEAP-1A engines used on Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
On the commercial side, the collaboration will focus on enhancing the codeshare agreement between Saudia and Air France-KLM, both SkyTeam members. This includes expanded reciprocal codesharing across a wider range of domestic and international routes, increasing connectivity and frequency. The agreement also supports Saudia’s efforts to optimise its operations at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said: “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, spearheaded by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and demonstrates our commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s aviation sector.”
Benjamin Smith, chief executive of Air France-KLM, said: “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.
“Air France-KLM Engineering and Maintenance is already a leader in the field, and further cooperation with Saudia will unlock additional opportunities in the country and in the region.”
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