Boeing, Saudia Aerospace, Al Salam To Establish Saudi Rotorcraft Support Center

Boeing has won a contract with Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Al Salam Aircraft Company to create the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Center in Saudi Arabia.

The joint venture will have locations in Riyadh and Jeddah providing comprehensive, in-country maintenance repair and overhaul support for Saudi Arabia’s diverse rotorcraft fleet. 

“When it’s fully operational, the Saudi military will have a national asset that affordably enhances the readiness of their rotorcraft personnel and fleet.” said Leanne Caret, president, Boeing’s Global Services & Support business.

“This collaboration brings together the expertise of three world-class companies to further strengthen the local industry in the Kingdom,” said Ahmed Jazzar, Boeing president in Saudi Arabia.

“By engaging Saudi industry, we are developing new business opportunities that foster broader capabilities in Saudi Arabia.” Jazzar added.

The joint venture will support the Kingdom’s commercial and defense rotorcraft platforms, including the Boeing-built AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook and AH-6i. 

“This project will strengthen and diversify the Saudi nationals’ skills and provide long-term investment in our company’s future workforce, contributing to the Kingdom goals of localization, economic growth and transfer of state-of-the art technology and know-how,” said Nader A. Khalawi, chief executive officer of SAEI.

 
“This joint venture project adds integrated state-of-the-art rotorcraft maintenance and support capabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Mohammed Fallatah, president and chief executive officer of Alsalam Aircraft Company.

Formation of the joint venture is expected to occur in late 2015 or early 2016.