عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Interviews

President of Boeing International to Asharq Al-Awsat: We are Keen to Support Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Explore Space

A Boeing 787 of the Riyadh Airlines is displayed at the Paris Air Show (AP)
A Boeing 787 of the Riyadh Airlines is displayed at the Paris Air Show (AP)
TT
TT

President of Boeing International to Asharq Al-Awsat: We are Keen to Support Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Explore Space

A Boeing 787 of the Riyadh Airlines is displayed at the Paris Air Show (AP)
A Boeing 787 of the Riyadh Airlines is displayed at the Paris Air Show (AP)

Dr. Brendan Nelson, President of Boeing International (BI), stressed that the American company was keen to support Saudi Arabia in developing its plans for space exploration.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Nelson said he was pleased to see two Saudi citizens visit the International Space Station (ISS), including the first Arab female astronaut, noting that Boeing has been part of every major American space endeavor and was keen to support the Kingdom in this field.

The head of BI, which manages the company’s international strategy and operations outside the United States, and oversees 18 regional offices in major global markets, stressed that Saudi Arabia was witnessing a very exciting stage in the aviation and space sector, pointing to the Kingdom’s strategy to develop aviation and tourism as enablers of broad economic growth.

Asked about his recent visit to Riyadh, Nelson said that he met with officials in key government bodies, such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Investment.

“I would like to reaffirm our commitment to developing the aviation system in Saudi Arabia in support of the goals of Vision 2030,” he said, adding: “We have a long-term relationship with the Kingdom and we look forward to continuing to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the Saudi aviation sector.”

Commenting on the recent order by Saudi airlines, Nelson said his company was honored that Saudia and Riyadh Airlines have finally committed to purchasing up to 121 new 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

“These important deals will play a major role in developing Saudi Arabia’s air transport network, and support the Kingdom’s broader strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. It also represents a significant investment by the Kingdom in supporting its broader vision to serve 330 million passengers and attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030,” Nelson told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The president of BI stressed that Boeing was already a major contributor to the Saudi aviation industry through its joint venture with Saudi Military Industries, SAMI, which supports military helicopters.

“We are also exploring opportunities to expand our global supplier base so that we can develop and increase talents and expertise all over the world, and this extends to the Saudi aviation system,” he stated.

According to Nelson, one of the greatest challenges of the era was addressing the global issue of climate change, emphasizing commitment to decarbonize the aviation industry and eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.

The president of Boeing International pointed to many factors that stimulate growth in the aerospace and defense sector in the Middle East. He explained that in commercial aviation, the region has emerged as a popular connection point for international travelers, and continues to grow as a destination for tourism and leisure.

“We expect passenger traffic in the Middle East to increase by 6 percent annually over the next two decades. To support this growth, companies operating in the Middle East are expected to receive orders for more than 3,000 new commercial aircraft, which will help the region’s fleet grow almost two and a half times by 2042,” Nelson remarked.

He continued: “Saudi Arabia will play an important role in this growth as part of its Vision 2030.”
On the development of electric aircraft, Nelson said that the company’s work in the field of electric aviation included forming partnerships to develop, test and certify all electric vehicles and safely deploy them.

“Through our wholly-owned subsidiary (Wisk Aero), we have flown more than 1,600 test flights of the battery-powered electric taxi,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Regarding China’s influence in the aviation industry and Boeing’s share in the global market, he said: “We have been a strong partner with the commercial aviation sector in China for more than 50 years. They remain friends, customers and competitors, and we look forward to continuing the challenge for decades to come.”

Most Viewed

 
 
Interviews

Fakhri Karim: I Conveyed Talabani’s Advice to Assad on Terrorists

Fakhri Karim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Fakhri Karim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Fakhri Karim: I Conveyed Talabani’s Advice to Assad on Terrorists

Fakhri Karim (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Fakhri Karim (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The late Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani, excelled at delivering messages subtly. In private meetings, he spoke more freely than in public statements or interviews. His chief advisor, Fakhri Karim, often joined these discussions.

Luncheons were lavish, showing Talabani's respect for different opinions, though he rarely followed doctors’ advice.

Talabani believed that Iranian leaders were smart and hoped they wouldn’t try to control Baghdad from Tehran, citing the failed attempt to manage Beirut from Damascus.

He noted that Iraq’s independent spirit makes it hard for the country to follow the US, Iran, or Türkiye. Talabani also admitted giving refuge to 80 Iraqi officers who had fought against Iran, after they were targeted by certain groups.

Talabani praised Syria’s late President Hafez al-Assad for his invaluable support, providing accommodation and passports.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Karim revealed he had warned President Bashar al-Assad, on behalf of Talabani, that militants allowed into Iraq to fight US forces might later turn against Syria.

This, Karim noted, did happen.

After the Israeli invasion of Beirut in 1982, Karim relocated to Damascus. There, he expanded his Al-Mada organization, focusing on publishing, translation, and organizing book fairs, alongside his political activities.

This allowed him to build relationships with top civilian and military officials.

In 2000, after Bashar al-Assad came to power, he met with Karim.

“I felt Assad was eager to listen, especially given my connections with many intellectuals,” recalled Karim.

“I told him dissenting voices exist but are mostly positive. You talk about modernization and renewal; this is a chance for some openness, even in elections,” Karim said he told Assad.

“Do you think anyone could really compete with you, given your position as the Baath Party's leader with all its resources?” Karim questioned.

Karim then discussed the situation of Syrian Kurds with Assad, noting that many lack identification papers, even basic travel documents. He also mentioned seeing historic Kurdish areas in the Khabur region with their names changed to Arabic, which causes sensitivities.

“I am not satisfied with this situation. Rest assured, this issue is on my agenda, and you will hear positive news about it,” Karim cited Assad as saying at the time.

In a later meeting, after the change in Iraq, Karim met Assad several times.

On one occasion, Karim recalls conveying Talabani’s greetings and concerns about armed fighters moving into Iraq and the dangers this posed to both Iraq and possibly Syria.

“We have deployed large forces to secure the borders, but what can we do? There are tribes and smugglers,” Assad complained about the situation.

“I told President Assad that as Fakhri Karim, I couldn’t share with the Americans what I know. I assured him that terrorists enter Iraq from a specific location I’m familiar with, not from all borders,” Karim recounted to Asharq Al-Awsat.

“I also noted that Syria tightly controls its airspace, shooting down any foreign aircraft,” he added.

Assad then responded to Karim and said: “We’re prepared, let us know what we can do.”

In reality, Damascus was worried because there were reports suggesting that Syria’s Baath regime could be the next target for the US army at its borders. Additionally, Damascus was concerned about the sectarian divisions—Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish—in dealing with Iraq and the potential impact on Syria.

Repairing Kurdish Relations

Karim has spent years working on repairing the relationship between Kurdish leaders Talabani and Masoud Barzani.

This history began with the split that gave rise to the ‘Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’ from the ‘Kurdistan Democratic Party.’

Despite bloody conflicts and external meddling, Karim believes Kurdish leaders unify in the face of danger to their people and region, a pattern he expects to continue.

Karim believes that the Kurdish leadership, symbolized by Masoud Barzani and Jalal Talabani, made a big mistake at the beginning by focusing only on regional issues, ignoring Baghdad’s affairs.

He thinks they should have aimed for a federal democratic system that respects citizenship rights.

Karim pointed out that without a unified Iraq, the region’s rights would be uncertain. He also criticized the Shiite-Kurdish alliance, which he sees as odd.

Additionally, he mentioned mistakes in failing to unify regional institutions and increasing corruption, with party interests often trumping competence in appointments.

Asked about the personal bond between Talabani and Barzani, Karim said: “Both have moved past their tough history, but they haven’t done enough for the future.”

“I want to highlight an act by Barzani that shows his character. When Talabani was sick, Barzani made it clear to anyone thinking of harming Talabani or his family that there would be consequences,” he revealed.

“This isn’t hearsay, it’s firsthand,” affirmed Karim.

“Barzani also refused to discuss the presidency or a successor during Talabani’s illness. I personally organized a gathering for Talabani’s family, where Barzani reassured them, ‘I’m here for you, I’m family.’ His words moved everyone, showing a strong emotional connection,” he added.

When asked about Barzani’s character, Karim said: “He's been a long-time friend, and our relationship has been politically aligned and personally warm from the start.”

“I see him as a loyal friend, and he's shown that loyalty on multiple occasions. He’s smart, decisive, and listens carefully, often changing his mind after thorough consideration,” he noted.

“Once Barzani commits to something, he finds it hard to go back on his word. There was a moment during negotiations with Saddam Hussein when he stood firm despite my advice to reconsider,” recalled Karim.

Regarding the aftermath of the independence referendum, Karim believes that the negative turn in the political landscape began during Nouri al-Maliki’s tenure.

Al-Maliki’s attempts to shift alliances and his refusal to compromise exacerbated tensions.

The referendum itself wasn’t the problem; rather, it was exploited by some to punish the Kurdistan Region.

However, Karim emphasized that holding referendums is a citizen’s right, and the purpose of the Kurdistan referendum was to affirm this right, not to declare independence.