Saudia Group announces a strategic agreement with GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) to equip Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with GEnx-1B engines for its 2023 order of 39 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. The deal includes engine supply, a multi-year MRO program, spare engines, and a comprehensive set of capability-building initiatives delivered through Saudia Technic to expand and localize advanced aerospace expertise in the Kingdom.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “This strategic partnership with GE Aerospace not only transforms the Group’s long-haul capability and expands our air connectivity, but also accelerates the localization of high-technology aviation expertise in the Kingdom. Through this agreement, we will be able to develop in-country technical capability for engines we previously maintained abroad, ensuring that investment, skills, and value remain within the Kingdom, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030.”
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, stated, “We are honored to support Saudia Group’s growth and are grateful for their trust in us. The GEnx engines will provide reliability, efficiency, and durability to power the airline’s expanded widebody fleet. Our collective efforts to further develop a skilled aerospace workforce that benefits the Kingdom and the United States will support our industry for decades to come.”
The GEnx engine family, built with advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies, delivers higher time-on-wing, enhanced fuel efficiency, and exceptional reliability. Since entering service in 2011, GEnx engines have accumulated more than 70 million flight hours and currently power two-thirds of all Boeing 787 aircraft in operation.
With a relationship spanning more than 40 years, GE Aerospace continues to collaborate with Saudi partners to advance Vision 2030 through talent development and technical capability-building. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures currently power the Kingdom’s four largest commercial carriers and support the world’s largest F110 fleet outside the United States.
As one of the region’s largest aviation conglomerates, Saudia Group is advancing a long-term strategy focused on fleet expansion, new global routes, increased guest capacity, and expanded engineering capabilities through Saudia Technic. These efforts reinforce the Saudi Aviation Strategy and contribute to Vision 2030 by building a world-class aviation ecosystem and strengthening the Kingdom’s global connectivity.
