Saudia Group, a leading aviation group in the Middle East, has solidified a landmark deal with GE Aerospace to power its future fleet. The agreement will see GE’s GEnx-1B engines installed on Saudia airline’s order for 39 new Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners.
Beyond the engine supply, the partnership includes a comprehensive, long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) program, spare engine support, and a critical focus on developing Saudi Arabia’s domestic aerospace capabilities. This knowledge transfer will be spearheaded by Saudia Technic, the Group’s engineering division, through targeted technical training programs.
“This is a strategic partnership that elevates our long-haul operations and actively contributes to Saudi Vision 2030,” said His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group. “We are not just acquiring engines; we are localizing high-tech expertise. This enables us to perform advanced engine maintenance within the Kingdom, retaining investment, skilled jobs, and value creation here at home.”
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, stated, “We are honored by Saudia Group’s trust. The GEnx will deliver the proven efficiency and reliability needed for their growing widebody fleet. Our collaborative efforts to cultivate a skilled aerospace workforce will benefit both our nations and the industry for years to come.”
The GEnx engine, renowned for its advanced composite materials and innovative design, offers significant fuel efficiency and durability improvements. It has become the engine of choice for the 787, powering approximately two-thirds of all operational Dreamliners globally. Since entering service, the GEnx family has surpassed 70 million flight hours, demonstrating its reliability and performance. This agreement marks a significant step in Saudia Group’s fleet modernization and Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions in the global aviation sector.
