عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Boeing: Saudi Arabia Aims to Cement Role as Aviation Hub

Boeing 737 aircraft (Company handout)
Boeing 737 aircraft (Company handout)
TT
TT

Boeing: Saudi Arabia Aims to Cement Role as Aviation Hub

Boeing 737 aircraft (Company handout)
Boeing 737 aircraft (Company handout)

Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a leading regional hub in the global aviation industry, propelled by record passenger growth, historic aircraft orders, and major infrastructure projects aligned with the kingdom’s National Transformation Program, according to Asaad AlJomoai, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, AlJomoai said recent orders from Riyadh Air and Saudia for a combined 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliners underscore the kingdom’s determination to build a world-class air transport sector.

He described Riyadh Air as a “strategic pillar” in Saudi Arabia’s broader aviation expansion plans.

The orders add to a growing fleet of 240 Boeing aircraft already in operation across the country. Among them is a deal by AviLease — owned by the Public Investment Fund — to purchase 20 Boeing 737-8 jets, with options for 10 more. The transaction makes AviLease the first Saudi firm to acquire this model.

These aircraft directly support Saudi Arabia’s sustainability and connectivity goals, AlJomoai said, adding that the kingdom aims to connect to over 100 destinations by 2030.

The expansion coincides with landmark projects such as King Salman International Airport and the integrated Riyadh region development.

Driving Transformation in Aviation

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a sweeping transformation in aviation, AlJomoai said, driven by investment in local talent, skill development, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The goal, he added, is to enable a new generation of Saudis to lead the industry’s future.

Boeing anticipates regional demand for 250,000 aviation professionals over the next 20 years, including 68,000 pilots, 63,000 technicians, and 104,000 cabin crew members. AlJomoai said the company is committed to training and equipping Saudi nationals with essential skills through advanced education and training programs.

Innovation and Tech Partnerships

Boeing is also focusing on innovation, digital transformation, and advanced technologies to help achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, AlJomoai said, highlighting ongoing academic and industrial partnerships.

Among its flagship initiatives is “Pick Up Your Wings and Fly,” a regional program aimed at inspiring Saudi women to enter the aviation industry by sharing real-life success stories. The campaign is run in collaboration with Alfaisal University, Boeing’s academic partner.

Through this partnership, Boeing supports student-led engineering projects, such as the design of a solar-powered vehicle for international competitions. The company also works with Princess Nourah University to promote STEM education and open doors for Saudi women in science and aerospace.

Boeing continues its 15-year collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on advanced research in artificial intelligence, new materials, computational modeling, solar energy, and industrial water treatment — all part of the kingdom’s ambition to become a global hub for innovation and R&D.

Supporting Defense and Local Industry

On the industrial front, Boeing is working with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) to strengthen local capabilities in maintenance and support for military helicopters. The company is also exploring opportunities in advanced aviation materials manufacturing — including metals, plastics, and resins — in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, aiming to establish an integrated local supply chain.

A Longstanding Relationship

AlJomoai noted the strong historic ties between Boeing and Saudi Arabia, dating back more than 80 years to the delivery of the first DC-3 aircraft in the 1940s. The partnership was spotlighted during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom, reflecting deep-rooted economic, security, and technological cooperation between Riyadh and Washington.

Last year’s landmark Dreamliner order stands as a testament to the enduring strategic alignment between Boeing and Saudi Arabia.

Looking ahead, AlJomoai said Boeing remains committed to supporting Vision 2030, particularly efforts to diversify the economy, empower young talent, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for connectivity and innovation.

 

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

Aljadaan: Emerging Markets Account for 70% of Global Growth

Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
TT
TT

Aljadaan: Emerging Markets Account for 70% of Global Growth

Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Jadaan speaking to the attendees at the "AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies" (Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan stressed Sunday that the world economy is going through a “profound transition,” saying emerging markets and developing economies now account for nearly 60 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in purchasing power terms and over 70 percent of global growth.

In his opening remarks at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF in AlUla, the minister said these economies have become an increasingly important driver of global growth with their share of global economy more than doubling since 2010.

“Today, the 10 emerging economies in the G20 alone account for more than half of the world growth. Yet, they face a more complex and fragmented environment, elevated debt levels, slower trade growth and increasing exposure to geopolitical shocks.”

“Unfortunately, more than half of low income countries are either in or at the risk of debt distress. At the same time global trade growth has slowed at around half of what it was pre the pandemic,” Aljadaan added.

The Finance Minister stressed that the Saudi experience over the past decade has reinforced three lessons that may be relevant to the discussions at the two-day conference, which brings together a select group of ministers and central bank governors, leaders of international organizations, leading investors and academics.

“First, macroeconomic stability is not the enemy of growth. It is actually the foundation,” he said.

“Structural reforms deliver results only when institutions deliver. So there is no point of reforming ... if the institutions are unable to deliver,” he stated.

Finally, he said that “international cooperation matters more, not less, in a fragmented world.”

Business

Georgieva from AlUla: Growth Still Lacks Pre-pandemic Levels

Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Georgieva from AlUla: Growth Still Lacks Pre-pandemic Levels

Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kristalina Georgieva speaking to attendees at the second edition of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies (Asharq Al-Awsat)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said Sunday that world growth still lacks pre-pandemic levels, expressing concern as she expected more shocks amid high spending and rising debt levels in many countries.

Georgieva spoke at the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF in AlUla.

The two-day conference brings together a select group of ministers and central bank governors, leaders of international organizations, leading investors and academics to deliberate on policies to global stability, prosperity, and multilateral collaboration.

Georgieva said that the conference was launched last year in recognition of the growing role of emerging market economies in a world of sweeping transformations.

“I came out of this gathering .... With a sense of hope for the pragmatic attitude and determination to pursue good policies and build strong institutions,” she said.

Georgieva stressed that “good policies pay off,” and said that growth rates across emerging economies reached four percent this year, exceeding by a large margin those of advanced economies that are around 1.5 percent.

Business

Saudi Arabia’s flynas, Syrian Civil Aviation Authority Partner to Launch 'flynas Syria'

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia’s flynas, Syrian Civil Aviation Authority Partner to Launch 'flynas Syria'

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)
The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards (flynas)

Saudi budget carrier flynas has signed an agreement with the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport to establish a new commercial airline under the name "flynas Syria," with operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Saturday’s agreement comes within the framework of bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria, as well as the strategic investment agreements between the two countries, coordinated with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.

The new airline will operate commercial air transport services in accordance with approved regulations and standards, meeting the highest safety and aviation security requirements. All licensing and operational procedures will be completed in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The carrier will be established as a joint venture, with 51% ownership held by the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport and 49% by flynas.

The new airline will operate flights to several destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This expansion aims to bolster air traffic to and from Syria, enhance regional and international connectivity, and meet growing demand for air travel.

"This step is part of our commitment to supporting high-quality cross-border investments. The aviation sector is a key enabler of economic development, and the establishment of 'flynas Syria' serves as a model for constructive investment cooperation,” said Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih.

“This partnership enhances economic integration and market connectivity and supports development goals by advancing air transport infrastructure, ultimately serving the mutual interests of both nations and promoting regional economic stability,” he added.

President of the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar Hosari also stated that the establishment of flynas Syria represents a strategic step within a comprehensive national vision aimed at rebuilding and developing Syria's civil aviation sector on modern economic and regulatory foundations.

“This will be achieved while balancing safety requirements, operational sustainability, investment stimulation, and passenger services. The partnership reflects the state's orientation toward smart cooperation models with trusted regional partners, ensuring the transfer of expertise, the development of national capabilities, and the enhancement of Syria's air connectivity with regional and international destinations, in line with global best practices in the air transport industry."

flynas Chairman Ayed Al-Jeaid stated that the company continues to pursue strategies aimed at growth and international expansion, describing the agreement as a historic milestone in the company's journey and a promising investment model in partnership with Syria.

flynas CEO Bander Al-mohanna said the step represents a qualitative leap in the company's strategy and financial performance, highlighting the transfer of the company's low-cost aviation experience to the Syrian market to support regional and international air connectivity.

flynas currently operates 23 weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to Damascus, including two daily direct flights from Riyadh, one daily flight from Jeddah, and two weekly flights from Dammam.

The airline made history on June 5, 2025, by adding the Syrian capital to its network, becoming the first Saudi carrier to resume scheduled flights to Damascus.