US planemaker Boeing expects Saudi Arabia to become one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets in the coming years, powered by major investments in airports, tourism and logistics and by plans to turn the kingdom into a global hub linking Asia, Europe and Africa. The forecast comes as Riyadh Air builds its international network ahead of expansion into new markets, including the United States. Asaad Aljomoai, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the kingdom is one of Boeing’s most important growth markets. He said the company’s long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia has entered a new phase that goes beyond aircraft supply to supporting the national aviation ecosystem, transferring knowledge and investing in future technologies. Aljomoai said Boeing’s relationship with Saudi Arabia spans more than eight decades, dating back to the early days of commercial aviation in the kingdom. The launch of Riyadh Air, the new national carrier, marks a new chapter in that partnership, he said. He said the 787 Dreamliner would be central to supporting Saudi Arabia’s target of becoming a global hub for aviation, travel and trade. Saudi Arabia is now one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, backed by major investments in airports, infrastructure, tourism and logistics, as well as the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Aljomoai said. He said the kingdom’s geographic position gives it a strategic advantage to become a global hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. He expected strong growth to continue in passenger numbers, aircraft fleets and international destinations in the coming years. 787 Dreamliner Aljomoai said the choice of the 787 Dreamliner aligns with Riyadh Air’s strategy to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030. He said the aircraft was designed to help airlines operate long-haul routes with high efficiency, lower fuel consumption, operational flexibility and an advanced passenger experience. That would help carriers open new markets in an economically viable and sustainable way. Aljomoai said Boeing’s role in Saudi aviation extends beyond aircraft deliveries. It includes training and qualifying national talent, engineering services, digital solutions, supply chains and logistics services, as well as industrial and research partnerships aimed at transferring knowledge and strengthening local capabilities. He pointed to one of the latest initiatives in this field: an announcement by SkyGrid, a Boeing subsidiary, to activate a memorandum of understanding with the General Authority of Civil Aviation to conduct an operational feasibility study on advanced air mobility technologies. The study, carried out in cooperation with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, or KAUST, aims to assess the operational and regulatory aspects of those technologies ahead of their potential deployment in the kingdom, in support of Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Operational balance and economic sustainability On Riyadh Air’s aircraft configuration, Aljomoai said the 787 Dreamliner is among the most efficient aircraft in operation, giving the new national carrier an advantage in achieving economic efficiency from the early stages of its operations. He said the cabin design uses lower cabin altitude pressure to reduce passenger fatigue, along with the latest connectivity, entertainment and digital service technologies. That would give business and leisure travelers a more comfortable and productive travel experience. Asked about expansion plans toward the United States, Aljomoai said the aircraft’s range, efficiency and reliability make it an ideal platform for long-haul routes between the kingdom and global markets, including US destinations. He said the aircraft would help Riyadh Air balance operational expansion with economic sustainability. New aircraft deliveries Aljomoai said deliveries of new aircraft would continue according to the timelines and operational plans agreed between Boeing and Riyadh Air. He said the two sides would maintain close cooperation to ensure aircraft are delivered according to the highest standards of quality and safety, supporting Riyadh Air’s growth plans in the coming years. Aljomoai said Boeing’s partnership with the kingdom goes beyond commercial ties and reflects the ambition to reshape Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. He said Boeing was proud of its role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by investing in national talent, industrial partnerships and advanced technologies, and by helping build a more prosperous and sustainable future for aviation in the kingdom.
