Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Air France-KLM to expand and localize maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
Saudia Technic Managing Director Capt. Fahd Cynndy and Air France-KLM Engineering and Maintenance Executive Vice President Anne Brachet signed the MoU during the Saudi-French Investment Forum.
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 percent of the GE90 work orders to Air France-KLM in return for localizing the process.
The agreement also explores the possibility of establishing 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 focuses on enhancing the codeshare agreement between Saudia and Air France-KLM, both SkyTeam members. This entails expanded mutual codesharing on a wider range of domestic and international routes, increasing connectivity and frequency. The agreement also supports Saudia’s efforts to optimize its operations at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, enhancing efficiency and the guest experience.
Director General of Saudia Group Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar said that, “This agreement reflects the visionary leadership of the Saudia Group Board, led by its chairman Al-Jasser, minister of transport and logistic services. It also 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.”
CEO of Air France-KLM Benjamin Smith described Saudia as a long-standing partner, saying, “In the context of Saudi Arabia’s rapid development, we see mutual benefit in expanding our commercial cooperation and combining expertise, particularly in technical maintenance. Air France-KLM Engineering and Maintenance is a leader in this field, and this collaboration with Saudia will unlock new opportunities in the Kingdom and the region.”
This agreement is part of Saudia’s ongoing efforts to increase local content and highlights Saudia Group’s commitment to fostering local talent and capabilities in the aviation industry, and to aligning seamlessly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, to foster a thriving national economy.
