SAMI Enhances MRO Capabilities With New Partnerships For C-130 And Airbus Platforms

SAMI, the National Defense and Security Champion, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, is participating in the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK from 22 to 26 July 2024. The event is attended by Eng. Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), and Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

SAMI has announced two strategic agreements with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopter. Through the first agreement, SAMI Alsalam will be certified as one of Lockheed Martin's 14 approved C-130 Hercules Service Centers (HSC) worldwide. This certification will enhance SAMI Alsalam's ability to provide maintenance, repair, overhaul, engineering services, and structural modification services for the C-130 Hercules platform.

Eng. Abdulsalam Alghamdi, EVP – SAMI Aerospace, stated: "The partnerships mark an important milestone further enhancing our capabilities to provide maintenance, repair, overhaul, and engineering services, and structural modification services with the highest international standards for C-130 Hercules platform. SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries will extend its support to the operators of these aircraft both regionally and internationally."

The second agreement focuses on localizing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities through Airbus helicopters. This initiative aims to enhance rotorcraft capabilities within Saudi Arabia. SAMI's CEO, Eng. Walid A. Abukhaled emphasized: "The two partnerships underline our commitment to fostering local capabilities and reiterates our goal to further localizing the defense industry sector. We will continue to focus on training and developing national talent through such programs with leading global companies, aiming to support the localization of over 50% of government spending in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030."

These agreements align with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives by focusing on local talent development and reducing reliance on foreign expertise. By partnering with global leaders like Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopter, SAMI aims to bolster its position in both regional and international markets.

The participation in Farnborough International Airshow highlights SAMI's ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in the global defense industry while contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia's economic diversification goals.

With inputs from SPA