Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Air France-KLM. The goal is to significantly expand and localize its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
The agreement was signed during a high-profile ceremony attended by prominent leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudia Corporation’s Chairman Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, and Saudia Group’s Director General Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar.
The signing was formalized by Capt. Fahd Cynndy, Managing Director of Saudia Technic, and Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance. It marks a pivotal moment in aviation collaboration between the two organizations. This strategic partnership underscores a mutual commitment to strengthening ties and driving growth in the aviation sector.
Engine Maintenance Initiatives
The comprehensive MOU encompasses several key initiatives, particularly in engine maintenance. Saudia will take on module assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines used in Boeing 777 aircraft, with a commitment to award at least 50% of work orders to Air France-KLM.
The agreement also explores the potential establishment of a joint venture for GEnx engines used in Boeing 787 aircraft. This complements Saudia’s existing MRO capabilities, such as servicing CFM LEAP-1A engines for the Airbus A320neo family.
Beyond technical collaboration, the partnership extends to commercial operations. Both SkyTeam members will expand their codeshare agreement. This sees increasing connectivity and flight frequencies across domestic and international routes.
The agreement also supports Saudia’s strategic objectives at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, focusing on operational efficiency and enhancing passenger experience.
Commenting on the significance of the agreement, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar emphasized its alignment with the Saudi Aviation Strategy and the visionary leadership of Saudia Group’s Board. He highlighted the initiative’s role in advancing the Kingdom’s aviation sector and supporting broader national development goals.
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, described Saudia as a historic partner and expressing enthusiasm for deepening their cooperation. He noted the mutual benefits of expanding commercial collaboration and pooling expertise, particularly in the strategic MRO domain.
This agreement embodies Saudia Group’s commitment to developing local talent and capabilities within the aviation industry. It aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to foster a robust and innovative national economy.
About Saudia
Founded in 1945, the airline has evolved into a pivotal player in the Middle Eastern aviation industry, distinguished by its continuous innovation and strategic growth.
With a modern fleet of 144 aircraft, Saudia stands out for operating one of the youngest and most advanced commercial airplane fleets globally. The airline’s extensive network spans approximately 100 destinations across four continents, including comprehensive coverage of all 28 domestic airports within Saudi Arabia.
Recognized internationally, Saudia holds memberships in prestigious aviation organizations, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), and the SkyTeam alliance since 2012. The airline’s commitment to excellence has been repeatedly validated through numerous international accolades, including being named “World Class Airline 2025” for four consecutive years at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards.
Recent achievements further highlight Saudia’s ascending trajectory. The airline dramatically improved its global standing by advancing 11 places in the Skytrax World Best Airlines 2023 ranking.
Moreover, a Cirium report positioned Saudia at the pinnacle of global airlines for on-time performance, a testament to its operational efficiency and reliability.
Summary
The latest collaboration signals a forward-looking approach to international aviation partnerships, emphasizing knowledge transfer, technological advancement, and mutual growth.
By combining their strengths, Saudia and Air France-KLM are not just expanding their operational capabilities but also contributing to the broader transformation of the global aviation landscape.
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