SAMI Enhances MRO Capabilities With Key Partnerships For C-130 And Airbus Rotorcraft

SAMI, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and the National Defense and Security Champion, is participating in the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK from 22 to 26 July 2024. The event sees attendance from key figures such as 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 significant agreements with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopter. The first agreement will see SAMI Alsalam certified as one of Lockheed Martin's 14 approved C-130 Hercules Service Centers (HSC) worldwide. This certification enhances SAMI Alsalam's ability to provide top-tier maintenance, repair, overhaul, engineering services, and structural modifications 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. By partnering with Airbus Helicopter, SAMI commits to strengthening its local MRO capabilities.

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 strategic agreements align with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals by focusing on local talent development and reducing reliance on foreign expertise. Through these collaborations with Lockheed Martin and Airbus Helicopter, SAMI aims to bolster its position in both regional and international markets.

By participating in such high-profile events like the Farnborough International Airshow, SAMI showcases its dedication to advancing Saudi Arabia’s defense industry capabilities. These efforts are crucial for achieving long-term sustainability and self-reliance in defense technologies.

The involvement of prominent figures like Eng. Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al-Ohali and Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej underscores the importance of these initiatives for Saudi Arabia’s strategic objectives.

With inputs from SPA