Saudia Group, one of the largest aviation conglomerates in the MENA region, has signed a strategic agreement with GE Aerospace to equip Saudia, the Kingdom’s national carrier, with GEnx-1B engines for its 2023 order of 39 Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. The agreement covers engine supply, a multi-year maintenance, repair, and overhaul programme, and spare engines. It also includes a range of capability-building initiatives—delivered through Saudia Technic, the Group’s maintenance and engineering arm—aimed at expanding and localising aerospace expertise in the Kingdom through technical training and knowledge transfer.
His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said the partnership with GE Aerospace would transform the Group’s long-haul capability, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air connectivity, and accelerate the localisation of high-technology aviation expertise. He noted that developing in-country maintenance capabilities for engines previously serviced abroad would keep investment, skills, and value within the Kingdom, supporting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
The GEnx family, built with advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies, marks a significant step forward in modern propulsion, offering extended time-on-wing and high reliability. Since entering service in 2011, GEnx engines have accumulated more than 70 million flight hours and now power two-thirds of all 787 aircraft in operation.
GE Aerospace’s relationship with the Saudi aerospace sector spans over 40 years. The company continues to work with Saudi partners to help deliver Vision 2030 by developing local talent and strengthening technical capabilities. 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.
