Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef Explores Aerospace Collaboration With Airbus Leaders In France

In Toulouse, France, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer and other Airbus leaders. The discussion focused on enhancing cooperation in aviation and space industries. Attendees included Laurent Saint-Martin, Abdulrahman Al Samari, and Eng. Saleh Al-Solami. They explored opportunities to localise aircraft manufacturing and maintenance technology in Saudi Arabia.

Alkhorayef emphasised the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Airbus, which has been strong for nearly four decades. This relationship is vital for developing cooperation in aviation and satellite industries. He noted that localising aviation manufacturing aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Industry. These initiatives aim to boost national industrial capabilities, global competitiveness, economic diversification, and sustainable development.

The minister highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to create an advanced industrial environment for aviation. This includes fostering innovation, supporting supply chain integration, and attracting quality investments. He outlined enablers like simplified government procedures for foreign investment, streamlined regulations, easy licensing, and competitive access to key minerals like aluminium and titanium for aviation manufacturing.

Alkhorayef also mentioned Saudi Arabia's strategic location as a trade hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. The supportive investment climate includes government-backed financial solutions and advanced infrastructure for business sustainability. These factors are designed to attract global aviation companies like Airbus.

Scherer praised Saudi Vision 2030 for supporting economic transformation and diversification while achieving sustainable development. He expressed Airbus's commitment to deepening relations with the Kingdom through knowledge exchange and cooperation in advanced technologies that contribute to aviation and satellite sector development.

Saint-Martin highlighted strong economic ties between Saudi Arabia and France. He underscored the importance of strengthening industrial cooperation in aviation and satellite technology to advance shared development goals.

Exploring Airbus Facilities

During his visit, Alkhorayef toured Airbus's main manufacturing plant along with its commercial aviation and satellite facilities. Airbus leaders provided presentations on their global operations, expansion plans, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative solutions for aircraft manufacturing.

The tour included observing assembly lines showcasing advanced manufacturing processes at Airbus. Alkhorayef also visited satellite manufacturing facilities to explore capabilities in space industries that support communication development and enhance global security.

Strengthening Industrial Cooperation

This meeting was part of Alkhorayef's official visit to France aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation in strategic sectors like aviation. The Kingdom seeks to localise these industries further while exploring joint opportunities primarily within aviation and food sectors.

The minister affirmed readiness to enhance cooperation with Airbus by leveraging vast mineral resources available within the Kingdom alongside advanced logistics networks supported by skilled workforce ensuring mutual benefits from increased joint investments supporting localisation efforts within Saudi Arabia’s growing aviation industry landscape.

With inputs from SPA