Last week, SkyTeam members Saudia and Air France-KLM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) targeted at expanding and localising Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the Kingdom.
The agreement will support Saudia in developing its technical operations and enables the airline to handle module assembly and disassembly of GE90 engines, which are used on Boeing 777 aircraft. The MoU stipulates that at least 50 per cent of the GE90 work orders will be awarded to Air-France KLM.
It also floats the establishment of a joint venture for GEnx engines, used on Boeing 787 aircraft.
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM stated:
“Saudia is a historic partner of Air France-KLM, and in the context of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced development, we see a mutual interest in expanding our commercial cooperation and pooling our expertise, notably in the strategic MRO activity. Air France-KLM Engineering and Maintenance is already a leader in the field, and further cooperation with Saudia will unlock additional opportunities in the country and in the region.”
This MoU will additionally enhance the codeshare agreement between the airlines, with an expanded selection of domestic and international routes.
The signing ceremony was attended by President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, the Director General of Saudia Group, along with ministers and distinguished dignitaries, the agreement was signed by Capt. Fahd Cynndy, Managing Director of Saudia Technic, and Anne Brachet, Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance, pictured above.
The Middle-East Aircraft MRO Market growth is driven by ongoing fleet expansion and modernisation programmes and is estimated to reach $7.14 billion by 2029. As the region bolsters its technical capabilities, there is a growing demand for strategic partnerships and skilled labour.
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