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KARACHI: Saudia Group has announced a partnership with GE Aerospace to equip its national carrier, Saudia, with GEnx-1B engines for its latest order of 39 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. This strategic agreement also includes a multi-year maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) program and spare engines. Additionally, the collaboration aims to enhance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s aerospace expertise through Saudia Technic’s technical training and knowledge transfer initiatives.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, highlighted the significance of the partnership with GE Aerospace. He emphasized that the agreement will not only enhance the Group’s long-haul capabilities and air connectivity but also contribute to the localization of advanced aviation expertise in the Kingdom. This aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to develop in-country technical capabilities for engines that were previously maintained overseas.
The GEnx engine family, recognized for its reliability and advanced materials, powers most Boeing 787 aircraft globally and has logged over 70 million flight hours. GE Aerospace has maintained a relationship with the Saudi aerospace sector for more than four decades and collaborates with Saudi partners to advance Vision 2030 by developing local talent and strengthening technical capabilities.
Saudia Group, as one of the region’s largest aviation conglomerates, is focusing on fleet expansion and increasing global capacity. Concurrently, Saudia Technic is enhancing its technical and engineering capabilities to support the Saudi Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030.
The agreement holds particular importance for Pakistan, as it is expected to bolster operational reliability on the busy Pakistan-Saudi Arabia routes. With many Pakistani aviation professionals already working with Gulf carriers, the new training and localization efforts under Saudia Technic could offer further opportunities for Pakistani engineers and aviation specialists. This development may also enhance connectivity and service quality for Pakistani travelers visiting the Kingdom for work, business, and religious tourism.